What is a common characteristic of a security breach?

A common characteristic of a security breach is unauthorized access to sensitive information. When a security breach occurs, it typically involves an attacker or unauthorized entity gaining access to confidential data, which can include personal, financial, or proprietary information. This unauthorized access is often the primary concern for organizations as it can lead to severe consequences, including data theft, financial loss, legal ramifications, and damage to reputation.

In the context of cybersecurity, a breach signifies a failure in security protocols that protect sensitive information, making it the focal point of most breach scenarios. Understanding this characteristic is vital for organizations aiming to build robust security measures and respond effectively to incidents.

The other choices reflect outcomes or scenarios that do not align with the nature of a security breach. Reduced operational costs, increased customer trust, and enhanced data processing capabilities do not represent the true impact of a breach, which primarily involves compromised security and the associated risks of unauthorized access.