What is a data breach?

A data breach is defined as the unauthorized access or exposure of personal data, which is why this choice is the correct answer. In the context of privacy and data protection, a breach signifies that sensitive information, such as personal identifiers, financial details, or confidential corporate data, has been accessed by individuals who do not have permission to view it. This situation can lead to various negative consequences, including identity theft, financial loss, and damage to an organization's reputation.

The other choices do not accurately describe a data breach. The collection of user data without consent refers to a violation of privacy rights but does not involve the unauthorized access of data that has already been collected. Secure storage of data and the implementation of robust security measures are critical practices in preventing data breaches, but they do not define what a data breach actually is. Therefore, understanding that a data breach specifically involves unauthorized access to sensitive information is crucial for managing privacy risks effectively.