What does "data breach" refer to?

A "data breach" refers to an incident where unauthorized access to data occurs, which is precisely what makes this choice the correct answer. In specific terms, a data breach implies that sensitive, protected, or confidential data has been accessed or disclosed without authorization. This can involve various types of data, including personal information, financial records, or proprietary business information.

Understanding the implications of a data breach is crucial because it can lead to significant consequences for individuals and organizations, including financial loss, reputational damage, and legal repercussions. Organizations aim to prevent data breaches by implementing robust security measures, conducting regular audits, and ensuring employees are trained to recognize potential security threats.

The other choices relate to aspects of cybersecurity but do not directly define what constitutes a data breach. Compromising hardware security pertains to vulnerabilities in physical devices rather than unauthorized access to data itself. A failure in network connectivity deals with the inability of systems to communicate effectively, which is unrelated to unauthorized data access. Lastly, a strategy for preventing cyber attacks focuses on proactive measures to defend against potential threats rather than defining what a data breach is.