TYPES OF DATA BREACHES
A personal data breach means a breach of security leading to the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal data. This includes breaches that are the result of both accidental and deliberate causes. It also means that a breach is more than just about losing personal data.
There are many situations where a breach of your data can arise. Those most publicised are where personal data, maybe including credit card details, is hacked, or stolen, by a third party, maybe affecting thousands of people at risk of financial loss as well as personal distress.
However, there are many other situations where personal data may be lost or misused that qualify as data protection breaches. For instance, confidential information about a medical condition may be sent to an employer without your consent; or personal statistical data may be published which can identify you without your consent.