Final answer:
A data breach occurs when hackers access and expose sensitive data from a company's system, often causing identity theft and national security issues. Companies are advised to implement enhanced cybersecurity measures and educate their workforce to prevent such breaches.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for the situation where a hacker forces their way into a company’s system and exposes sensitive information such as passwords, email addresses, or credit card numbers is known as a data breach. Hackers use a variety of methods to accomplish this, including breaking into websites, phishing emails to collect personal information, or exploiting security vulnerabilities. Notable incidents of data breaches include the 2014 iCloud breach, where private photos of celebrities were leaked. Data breaches can lead to severe consequences such as identity theft or true-name fraud, where thieves use stolen personal information to make unauthorized transactions. This not only impacts individuals but can also threaten national security when foreign entities hack into government systems.
Businesses, organizations, and medical systems targeted by such cyber-attacks may experience operational disruptions, financial losses, and diminished customer trust. Preventative measures include improving cybersecurity protocols, conducting regular security audits, and educating employees about safe online practices.