security breach

USAGE SUMMARY

"security breach" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe a situation in which someone has illegally accessed a secured area, such as a computer system or physical location. For example, "The company was the victim of a security breach when a hacker accessed their confidential customer information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The authorities' solution to this security breach?

The New York Times

Just a security breach.

The Guardian

What caused the security breach?

The New York Times

A big security breach is inevitable.

The Washington Post

The company first disclosed the security breach in May.

The New York Times - Tech

The cause was technical trouble, not a security breach.

The New York Times

Officials described the case as a grave security breach.

The New York Times

Apple has made no comment regarding a possible security breach.

The Guardian

There was no human "mole", just a security breach.

The Guardian

A "code green" is a security breach or an escape.

The Guardian

This was not the result of a security breach.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting a "security breach", be specific about the type of data compromised and the potential impact on users or the organization. This adds clarity and urgency to the communication.

Common error

Avoid using "security breach" loosely to describe minor technical glitches or service disruptions. A true "security breach" involves unauthorized access to sensitive data or systems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "security breach" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of incident. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing various types of unauthorized access or compromises.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "security breach" is a commonly used term that describes a situation where security measures have been compromised, resulting in unauthorized access to systems or data. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. With high frequency, the phrase appears prominently in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts. When using "security breach", it's crucial to provide specific details about the data affected and the potential consequences. While synonymous terms like "data compromise" or "system intrusion" may be used, "security breach" remains a clear and widely understood descriptor for these incidents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

data compromise

Focuses specifically on the compromise of data, which is a common result of a security breach.

data leakage

Highlights the unintended or unauthorized outflow of data from a system or network.

system intrusion

Emphasizes the unauthorized access into a system, which leads to a security breach.

network vulnerability

Shifts the focus to the weakness in the network that allowed the breach to occur.

unauthorized access

Highlights the act of accessing a system or information without permission.

cybersecurity incident

A more general term that encompasses any adverse event related to cybersecurity, including breaches.

privacy violation

Focuses on the breach's impact on personal privacy, especially relevant when personal data is compromised.

information security lapse

Highlights the failure in information security measures that led to the breach.

confidentiality breach

Emphasizes the compromise of confidential information as a result of the breach.

security vulnerability exploitation

Focuses on the act of taking advantage of a weakness in a security system.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "security breach"?

Alternatives to "security breach" include "data compromise", "system intrusion", or "unauthorized access", depending on the specific context you wish to emphasize.

What is the difference between a "security breach" and a "data leak"?

A "security breach" refers to any incident resulting in unauthorized access to systems or data. A "data leakage" specifically refers to the unintentional or unauthorized release of confidential information.

How serious is a "security breach"?

The severity of a "security breach" can range from minor to catastrophic, depending on the sensitivity of the data compromised, the number of individuals affected, and the potential for financial or reputational damage. Often they are considered "cybersecurity incidents" which are potentially criminal.

What are the legal ramifications of a "security breach"?

Depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the compromised data, a "security breach" can lead to legal action, regulatory fines, and mandatory notifications to affected parties. Failing to protect data may also constitute a "privacy violation".