The unauthorized access or exposure of authentication information, such as usernames and passwords, constitutes a security breach. This event enables malicious actors to impersonate legitimate users and gain entry to systems, networks, or applications. An instance of this could involve a phishing attack where an individual is deceived into divulging their login details, which are then used to access their email account.
This type of security incident is significant due to the potential for widespread damage. Successful exploitation can lead to data theft, financial loss, reputational harm, and disruption of services. Historically, these incidents have been a primary attack vector for cybercriminals, making the protection of authentication data a critical aspect of cybersecurity.
