A data breach refers to an incident where unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive information, often resulting in the exposure of personal, financial, or confidential data. This can occur via various means such as hacking, insider threats, or inadequate security measures. Data breaches pose significant risks to individuals and organizations, causing potential financial loss, legal repercussions, and reputational damage. Organizations must implement robust cybersecurity measures and protocols to detect, respond to, and prevent such incidents to safeguard critical information.