A data breach refers to the unauthorized access, disclosure, or theft of sensitive or confidential information stored on a computer system or network. This can include personal information such as names, addresses, social security numbers, credit card details, or other sensitive data. Data breaches can occur through various means, such as hacking, malware attacks, phishing scams, or physical theft of devices. Organizations that experience a data breach may face severe consequences, including financial losses, damage to their reputation, legal liabilities, and potential regulatory fines. Protecting against data breaches requires robust security measures, such as encryption, access controls, regular security audits, and employee training on cybersecurity best practices. In the event of a data breach, organizations must respond quickly to contain the breach, notify affected individuals, and take necessary steps to prevent future incidents.