What does the term "data leakage" refer to?

The term "data leakage" specifically refers to the unauthorized transmission of data from within an organization to an external destination. This can involve sensitive or confidential information being exposed or shared without proper authorization, potentially leading to security breaches and compromise of data integrity. Such incidents often occur through various means, including inadvertent actions by employees, malicious insider threats, or vulnerabilities in security protocols.

Understanding data leakage is crucial for organizations, especially within the Department of Defense and similar entities, as it underscores the importance of implementing effective information security measures to protect sensitive data from accidental or deliberate exposure. By recognizing and addressing the risks associated with data leakage, organizations can develop stronger policies and practices to safeguard their information assets.