What is a data breach?

A data breach is a security incident in which sensitive, protected, or confidential data is accessed without the knowledge or authorization of its owner. In the state of California, data breaches are regulated by the California Data Security Law. A data breach can occur when someone gains access to a system, such as a computer, network, or database, without permission. This can happen through a malicious attack, such as a virus or hacking, or when an employee mistakenly gives someone unauthorized access. In some cases, a data breach can occur when an organization fails to maintain their security measures and puts their data at risk. When a data breach occurs, the personal information stored on the system is put at risk of being misused. This includes credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, and other personal data. If sensitive information falls into the wrong hands, individuals can suffer financially, be subject to identity theft, or have their reputation damaged. The California Data Security Law requires companies to adopt appropriate security safeguards and take steps to protect their customers’ personal data. Companies that fail to comply can face civil and criminal penalties. Consumers can also bring an action against a company for failing to secure their data, resulting in a data breach.

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