A data breach is either an intentional or unintentional exposure of sensitive and confidential personal or financial data to an untrusted environment.
A data breach happens when cyber criminals break into a company or online service and steal the private information of its customers or users. This information can range from personally identifiable information, such as names, social security numbers and addresses to directly harmful financial information, such as credit card numbers and bank accounts.
Identity theft happens when someone uses another person’s identity or personal information, such as name, social security number, credit card number, or online credentials without permission to commit a crime or fraud. Resolving identity theft is not easy. Once information gets exposed, it can stay out there for years.