leak

A leak is the unintentional release of a substance or information from a container, system, or organization. In everyday use, leaks often refer to fluids such as water, fuel, or gas escaping from pipes or tanks. The term also applies to information that becomes accessible to unauthorized recipients. Leaks can be accidental, due to wear, design flaws, or human error, or intentional in the context of whistleblowing.

Physical leaks involve liquids or gases escaping through cracks, faulty seals, corrosion, or improper connections. Plumbing leaks may dampen spaces and waste resources, while industrial leaks can pose safety hazards and environmental damage. Detection methods include visual inspection, pressure tests, and dedicated sensors that monitor humidity, temperature, or chemical traces, as well as acoustic or infrared techniques.

Informational leaks arise when confidential data, correspondence, or processes are disclosed without authorization. Causes include cyberattacks, insecure data transmission, misconfigured access controls, or negligent handling. Impact can include reputational harm, financial loss, regulatory penalties, and damage to trust. Prevention relies on encryption, access management, data loss prevention tools, regular audits, employee training, and well-defined incident response plans.

The term 'leak' is also used in environmental and safety contexts to describe unintended emissions from pipelines, storage facilities, or vehicles, prompting containment measures and corrective maintenance. Effective leak management emphasizes prevention, rapid detection, and containment to minimize harm.