Who is primarily affected during a data breach within a company?

The situation during a data breach primarily affects customers and employees because they are the individuals whose personal and sensitive information is often compromised. Customers may have their financial details, personal identification information, and other sensitive data exposed, leading to potential identity theft, financial loss, or privacy violations. Employees are also at risk, as their information can be included in the breach, impacting their privacy and safety.

Moreover, the breach can have significant implications for the company's reputation, customer trust, and overall business operations, which in turn can indirectly affect shareholders and the management team. However, the direct impact is most severe on those whose information is most likely to be compromised, making customers and employees the primary affected parties in such incidents. This awareness underscores the importance of robust data protection measures to safeguard all stakeholders involved.