A data breach in the field of human resources refers to the unauthorized access, disclosure, or acquisition of sensitive and confidential employee information. This breach can occur due to various reasons, such as cyberattacks, insider threats, or accidental exposure, and it poses a significant risk to individuals' privacy and the organization's security.

Example
An HR data breach could involve a scenario where a malicious actor gains access to an HR database containing employee records, including social security numbers, bank account details, and medical records. This unauthorized access could result in identity theft, financial fraud, and potential legal consequences for the affected employees and the organization.