What is a privacy incident often referred to as?

A privacy incident is often referred to as a "breach" because this term specifically denotes an unauthorized access or exposure of sensitive information. When data that is meant to be protected is compromised, whether through theft, loss, or unauthorized sharing, it constitutes a breach of privacy. In the context of privacy laws and regulations, breaches are taken very seriously since they can lead to significant risks for individuals and organizations, including identity theft, loss of trust, and potential legal ramifications.

The distinction of using "breach" highlights the severity and implications of the incident compared to other terms. For instance, while a violation may imply a wrongdoing, it doesn't necessarily encapsulate the unauthorized aspect of accessing private information. An "incident report" refers to documentation of the event but doesn't inherently describe the nature of the incident itself. "Disclosure" can refer to the act of revealing information, but it does not carry the connotation of unauthorized access or the negative implications that come with a breach. Thus, using "breach" is the most accurate term for describing a privacy incident in a formal context.