A data breach is an incident where unauthorized access to sensitive information occurs, potentially compromising personal, financial, or confidential data. The consequences of a data breach can be severe for both individuals and organizations, including identity theft, financial loss, regulatory penalties, and damage to reputation. Organizations may face legal repercussions and may be required to notify affected individuals, further damaging their credibility. Preventive measures, such as data encryption and robust security protocols, are essential to mitigate such risks. Furthermore, regular security audits can help identify vulnerabilities, minimizing the potential for future breaches.