Term: "Personally Identifiable Information (PII)"
Definition
Personally Identifiable Information (PII) encompasses a range of data that can be used on its own or in conjunction with other information to identify, contact, or locate an individual, or to distinguish one person from another. PII can include direct identifiers that explicitly name the individual (such as name, address, email address, and social security number) or data that can be used in combination with other information to identify a specific person (such as date of birth, place of birth, and mother's maiden name).
The protection of PII is a critical aspect of privacy laws and regulations around the world, as unauthorized access to or misuse of this information can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and other forms of cybercrime. Organizations that collect, process, or store PII are required to follow stringent data protection measures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of such information. This often involves implementing security practices such as encryption, access controls, and regular security audits, as well as ensuring transparency and obtaining consent from individuals regarding how their data is used.