What is a key characteristic of a security breach?

A key characteristic of a security breach is that it results from unauthorized access. This means that a breach occurs when an individual or entity gains access to data or systems without proper permission, typically violating security protocols and policies. This unauthorized access can lead to theft, manipulation, or exposure of sensitive information, highlighting the need for robust security measures to prevent such incidents.

Understanding this concept is essential for managing information security effectively, as it emphasizes the importance of implementing safeguards that can detect and respond to unauthorized access attempts. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what constitutes a security breach; they instead address various aspects of security protocols and system operations unrelated to the core definition of a breach itself.