Which of the following is an example of an intentional act that can lead to data loss?

Malicious data loss represents an intentional act that can lead to data loss. This often involves unauthorized access or actions taken by individuals with the intent to destroy, alter, or steal data. Examples include hacking, deploying malware, or insider threats where someone within an organization deliberately compromises data integrity or availability. Unlike hardware failures, natural disasters, or power outages, which are typically accidental or out of human control, malicious data loss stems from deliberate actions taken to adversely affect data security.

This understanding emphasizes the need for robust security measures, including firewalls, encryption, and user access controls, to mitigate the risks associated with intentional acts that threaten data integrity.