This report provides a detailed analysis of data breaches within the context of UK data protection law. It begins by defining the concept of a 'data breach' and explores the legal ramifications as outlined in the UK Data Protection Act (DPA), including the powers of the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) to issue notices, conduct assessments, and impose penalties. The report examines the legal consequences of data breaches, including enforcement notices, information notices, and criminal sanctions. It also discusses the potential for monetary penalties and the various criminal offences associated with non-compliance. Furthermore, the report critically evaluates how regulators, specifically the ICO, have handled data breaches in practice, referencing recent examples. Finally, it considers specific mitigation strategies companies can implement to reduce the risk of a data breach and minimize potential fines, concluding with a comprehensive overview of the subject matter.