An incident where unauthorized access to sensitive data occurs.
Description
A data breach is a cybersecurity incident in which confidential, protected, or sensitive data is accessed or disclosed without authorization. This can involve personal information like Social Security numbers, credit card details, or health records. Data breaches can happen due to various reasons, including hacking, malware, insider threats, or human error. The impact of a data breach can be severe, leading to financial loss, reputational damage, and legal consequences for the affected organizations. For example, the Equifax data breach in 2017 exposed the personal information of approximately 147 million people, highlighting the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. Organizations must implement strong data protection strategies, including encryption, access controls, and regular security audits, to mitigate the risks of a data breach. Detection and response plans are also crucial to minimize damage and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
Examples
- Equifax breach (2017): Exposed personal information of 147 million people due to a vulnerability.
- Target breach (2013): Compromised credit card information of 40 million customers during holiday shopping.
Additional Information
- Data breaches can lead to identity theft and fraud, impacting victims financially.
- Organizations may face fines and legal action due to failure to protect sensitive data.