Personally Identifiable Information (PII) - An Overview

We all use Personally Identifiable Information (PII) to identify ourselves. PII includes information like a driver's license number, an address, or a birthdate. Social Security numbers and biometric records such as fingerprints are also examples of PII. PII includes any information that can be used to distinguish or trace your identity - either alone or when combined with other information that is unique to you. Organizations must safeguard PII and limit access to it. Only those individuals with a "need to know" - that is, individuals with official authorized access to the information - may access and use a record or system of records containing PII.

PII breaches can be deeply damaging, and the negative consequences extend not only to those whose information has been compromised, but also to the organizations and individuals responsible for the loss.

Organizations and individuals who fail to comply with PII laws and regulations may be subject to a variety of penalties.