Which of the following is a common consequence of a data breach?

A common consequence of a data breach is financial loss and reputational damage. When sensitive data, such as personal information or intellectual property, is compromised, organizations can face significant costs related to remediation, legal fees, regulatory fines, and potentially loss of business. The aftermath of a breach often results in a tarnished reputation; customers may lose trust in the organization’s ability to protect their information. This erosion of trust may lead to decreased customer loyalty and a loss of competitive advantage, compounding the financial impact on the organization.

Other outcomes, like increased employee satisfaction or improved customer trust, are typically not associated with data breaches. Instead, breaches commonly lead to a climate of fear and uncertainty among employees, and a significant dip in customer trust as individuals and organizations question the security practices of the affected entity.