Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is any data that can be used to identify a specific individual, including direct identifiers, such as names, social security numbers, and biometric data. As well as indirect identifiers, which might include IP addresses, phone numbers, and birthdates, when combined with other data.
Organizations that collect, store, or process PII must implement strong security measures to prevent data breaches, identity theft, and unauthorized access. Regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA require businesses to safeguard PII and ensure compliance through encryption, access controls, and secure data handling practices.
Best Practices for Protecting PII
- Encryption & Masking - Protects sensitive data in storage and transit.
- Access Controls - Limits who can view or modify PII based on user roles.
- Data Minimization - Reduces risk by only collecting necessary personal data.
- Regular Audits & Monitoring - Identifies vulnerabilities and prevents unauthorized access.