A data breach occurs when...

• A. Data is encrypted.
• B. Sensitive information is copied, transmitted, or viewed by an unauthorized person.
• C. Data is stored securely.
• D. Data is anonymized.

Answer: (B)

A data breach happens when an unauthorized person gains access to sensitive information. The key idea is exposure or acquisition of data by someone who shouldn’t have it, such as copying, transmitting, or viewing that information. Encryption or secure storage are protective measures—they reduce risk and help prevent breaches, but they’re not what a breach describes. Data that’s anonymized also isn’t a breach by itself, since it’s designed to protect identity. Among the options, only the scenario where sensitive information is accessed by someone not authorized fits the definition of a data breach.