Which of the following can be a consequence of a data breach?

A data breach can significantly impact a business's reputation and relationship with its customers. When sensitive information is compromised, customers often feel vulnerable and may lose trust in the organization's ability to safeguard their personal data. This erosion of customer trust can lead to decreased customer loyalty, reduced sales, and a negative public perception that may take a considerable amount of time and resources to repair.

In contrast, the other options presented do not align with the typical consequences of a data breach. An increase in system performance generally runs counter to the disruptions caused by a breach, which often involves slowing down operations to address the security issues. Gaining new customers immediately post-breach is typically unrealistic, as potential customers may seek alternatives due to concerns about the organization's security practices. Lastly, asserting that there would be no impact on business operations underestimates the significant consequences a breach often has, including financial losses and regulatory penalties. Thus, option A is clearly the most accurate representation of a consequence stemming from a data breach.