Personally Identifiable Information (PII) refers to data that can identify an individual, such as names, social security numbers, and email addresses. Protecting PII is crucial to prevent identity theft.

Identification vs. Sensitive Information

Understanding the distinction between identification and sensitive information is crucial for data protection.

• Identification Information: This refers to data that can uniquely identify an individual, such as names, social security numbers, and biometric records.

• Sensitive Information: This encompasses data that, if disclosed, could cause harm, such as medical records, financial details, and personal addresses.

Handling and Protection Strategies

Handling and protecting Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is essential to prevent identity theft and other security breaches. Implementing effective strategies ensures that sensitive data remains secure and accessible only to authorized individuals.

• Access Control: Configuring systems to ensure individuals and systems can only perform allowed functions.

• Encryption: Converting clear text into cipher text to protect data from unauthorized access.

• Audit Trail: Creating a human-readable chronology of events for monitoring and forensic analysis.

• Incident Response Plan: A plan for responding to security incidents, synonymous with a Business Continuity Plan.

Common Misuses of PII

Common misuses of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) can lead to significant security breaches and personal harm.

• Negligence: Careless handling or sharing of sensitive data.

• Unauthorized Access: Viewing or using PII without proper authorization.

• Phishing: Deceptive attempts to obtain PII through fraudulent communications.

Compliance and Legal Requirements

Compliance and legal requirements are essential for ensuring that organizations adhere to documented standards, policies, and procedures. These requirements include maintaining professional registration, following codes of conduct, and adhering to recognized standards. Organizations must also implement security policies to protect sensitive data and ensure that only authorized individuals have access to it.

Legal obligations often mandate immediate reporting of data breaches and adherence to privacy regulations. Employees and contractors must follow strict guidelines to maintain confidentiality and obtain necessary approvals before handling sensitive information. Compliance frameworks, such as those provided by NIST, offer detailed guidelines for managing and protecting personally identifiable information.