What does the term 'data breach' refer to?

The term 'data breach' specifically refers to unauthorized access to sensitive information. This can involve the exposure of personal, financial, or confidential data, which can have serious consequences for individuals and organizations alike. In the context of security awareness training, it is crucial to understand that a data breach compromises the security of sensitive information, whether through hacking, insider threats, or poor security practices. This understanding helps organizations implement better security measures and educate employees on the importance of protecting sensitive data to prevent breaches from occurring.

In contrast, other options describe processes or issues that do not relate to unauthorized access to data. Software update processes are essential for keeping systems secure but do not inherently involve a breach of data. Data encryption is a method of protecting data, not a breach itself. Similarly, a system performance problem relates to how swiftly a system operates rather than whether data is compromised.