What is a data breach?

A data breach is specifically defined as an incident in which unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive or confidential information. This can involve the exposure of personal data, corporate data, or intellectual property, often leading to the potential for misuse or harm to individuals or organizations.

When discussing a data breach, it is crucial to recognize that it typically involves a failure in security measures that allows attackers to bypass protections and obtain data without permission. The implications of a data breach can be significant, affecting not only the final target but also their customers and stakeholders.

The other options describe scenarios that do not align with the definition of a data breach. Permanently deleting data or securely transferring it suggests a control over the data that undermines the concept of unauthorized access. Similarly, successfully backing up data emphasizes data protection rather than exposure, which is the opposite of a breach. Therefore, identifying a data breach specifically as an incident of unauthorized access places it correctly within the context of cybersecurity and data protection strategies.