security-privacybeginnerunit-8

PII

Definition

Personally Identifiable Information—data that can identify a specific individual.

In Plain English

PII is like your fingerprint—unique to you and sensitive if exposed.

Real-World Example

Names, email addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and addresses are all PII.

Why It Matters for Your Work

PII breaches create legal liability, regulatory fines, and reputational damage.

Common Mistake

Not recognizing what counts as PII. Even combinations of non-sensitive data can identify someone.

Related Terms

Data Retention

Policies for how long data is kept before deletion.

Encryption

Scrambling data so only authorized parties can read it.

Compliance

Meeting legal, regulatory, or industry standards for data handling and security.