How is a 'data breach' defined in digital forensics?

A 'data breach' in digital forensics is accurately defined as an incident where unauthorized access to sensitive data occurs, potentially exposing information. This definition emphasizes the critical aspect of unauthorized access, highlighting that a breach involves individuals or entities accessing data without permission, which can lead to various consequences, such as data theft, exposure of personal information, or loss of confidentiality.

Understanding this definition is crucial for professionals in digital forensics, as they must investigate and respond to data breaches by identifying the source of the unauthorized access, the data that was compromised, and the potential impact on individuals and organizations. The context of sensitivity is also important; not all data is equally sensitive, so the breach's significance often depends on the nature of the information exposed.

The other options do not accurately define a data breach. For example, legal actions relate to responses to breaches rather than defining what a breach itself is. Audits focus on reviewing practices rather than incidents of unauthorized access, and encryption is a preventative measure rather than a description of a breach event. Thus, option A provides the correct and comprehensive definition necessary for understanding data breaches in the field of digital forensics.