What does "data breach" refer to in cybersecurity?

In cybersecurity, a "data breach" refers specifically to an incident where unauthorized access to protected data occurs. This means that individuals or entities gain access to sensitive, confidential, or protected information without the consent of the organization or individual that owns the data. Such breaches can involve personal data, financial records, or proprietary information, and can have severe consequences, including financial loss, reputational damage, and legal ramifications.

Understanding this definition is crucial for security professionals, as it highlights the importance of implementing strong security measures to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. Organizations must prioritize data security to prevent such incidents and to safeguard against potential threats that can lead to a breach. In contrast to the other options, a data breach specifically addresses the illegitimate access aspect rather than data management practices or data backup processes.