What is a data breach?

A data breach is an incident where unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive, confidential, or protected data. This information can include personal details, financial records, or corporate secrets, and breaches often occur due to hacking, theft, or accidental exposure. Data breaches can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and damage to an organization's reputation. Organizations are required to notify affected individuals and take steps to mitigate the impact of a breach.