What is a common consequence of a network security breach?

A network security breach often leads to significant negative impacts, with the loss of sensitive data and financial resources being one of the most pressing consequences. When a breach occurs, unauthorized individuals can access confidential information such as personal identifiable information (PII), financial details, trade secrets, or proprietary data. This not only compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the data but can also lead to substantial financial ramifications, such as recovery costs, legal fees, regulatory fines, and potential loss of business.

Additionally, businesses may face reputational damage, causing customers to lose trust, which can affect future revenue and partnerships. While other options suggest positive outcomes such as increased trust or enhanced user engagement, these are generally not realistic outcomes following a breach, as the immediate aftermath typically involves distress and concern among users regarding their data security. Improved system performance is seldom associated with a breach; rather, systems may become slower or less efficient while the organization scrambles to mitigate the impact of the breach. Therefore, the loss of sensitive data and financial resources is a clear and direct consequence of network security breaches.