Final answer:
The term describing the possibility that something could harm data or resources is known as 'risk'. Risks in technology can include data breaches or system failures and must be managed with security measures and contingency plans.
Step-by-step explanation:
The possibility that something could happen to damage, destroy, or disclose data or other resources is known as a risk. When referring to risks in the context of information technology or data security, these include scenarios such as data breaches, identity theft, national security threats, and loss of service due to power shutdowns. Risks can stem from various sources, including economic downturns, natural disasters, technological failures, or intentional attacks. These threats can cause significant harm to individuals, businesses, and governments, leading to financial loss, privacy infringement, and even physical danger. Understanding and managing these risks is crucial and often involves implementing security measures, preparing contingency plans, and sometimes, assuming the existence of harm in poorly understood effects to proceed with caution, which is known as the precautionary principle.