What is a security breach?

A security breach specifically refers to an event where unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive data or systems, which can lead to the disclosure, alteration, or destruction of that information. This definition emphasizes the violation of security measures that are intended to protect data and systems from access by unauthorized actors.

In the context of cybersecurity, security breaches often involve hacking incidents, where attackers exploit vulnerabilities to gain entry into a network or system, gaining access to confidential data such as personal information, financial records, or proprietary business information. Recognizing unauthorized access is critical, as it can have significant implications, including financial loss, reputational damage, and legal consequences.

Other options like data storage errors, system update failures, and software installation issues, while they can be related to cybersecurity, do not constitute a security breach themselves. They involve operational or technical issues that may lead to vulnerabilities but do not inherently signify unauthorized access or intentional exploitation of security flaws. Hence, the definition of a security breach is distinct and focused on the unauthorized access to data.