What does the term 'data breach' refer to in cybersecurity?

The term 'data breach' specifically refers to unauthorized access to confidential data. This occurs when sensitive information such as personal identification, financial details, or intellectual property is accessed, stolen, or disclosed without permission. Data breaches can happen due to various factors, including hacking, human error, or inadequate security measures. The core of the definition revolves around the aspect of unauthorized access, which is critical in understanding the implications of a breach in terms of privacy, trust, and regulatory compliance.

In the context of cybersecurity, this definition is essential because it highlights the risks organizations face regarding their information security policies and the potential repercussions of failing to protect sensitive data adequately. Organizations must implement strong security measures to prevent unauthorized access and safeguard data integrity and availability, but any incident where someone gains access to data without authorization fundamentally qualifies as a data breach.