A database dump is a copied set of records exported from a database or other system. It may contain structured data such as user accounts, contact details, logs, transactions, or internal metadata. Dumps can be created for legitimate administration, but in cyber attacks the term usually refers to data taken without authorization.
Database dumps matter because they turn a breach into something concrete and usable. Attackers can sell the data, publish samples to prove access, or use the records for phishing, identity theft, credential stuffing, and extortion. Defenders look for unusual export activity, large reads from sensitive tables, and unauthorized access to backup or admin interfaces. Limiting database privileges, encrypting sensitive fields, monitoring data movement, and separating backups from production systems all reduce the impact if a dump is stolen.