Which of the following best defines a data breach?

A data breach is best defined as any accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, or unauthorized disclosure of data. This definition encompasses a wide range of incidents that can compromise the security and integrity of sensitive information. It acknowledges that breaches can occur either through malicious actions or inadvertent mistakes, including situations where data is lost or improperly handled.

Understanding a data breach in this comprehensive manner is crucial for organizations as they seek to implement effective data protection measures. It highlights the importance of not only safeguarding against external threats but also managing internal practices that could lead to data loss or unauthorized access.

The other options, while related to data security, do not fully capture the breadth of what constitutes a data breach. Unauthorized access to a public record pertains specifically to public data rather than the broader spectrum of private and sensitive information. The failure to comply with data encryption standards, though a serious issue, specifically addresses a compliance failure rather than an incident where data could be exposed. Lastly, improperly sharing data among employees can lead to breaches, but it does not encompass the various ways data can be breached, such as through hacking or technical failures. Thus, option B provides the most thorough and accurate definition of a data breach.