PII: Understanding Personally Identifiable Information
A blog post by Cyber Search.
Defining Personally Identifiable Information
In today's digital age, privacy concerns and data protection have taken center stage. One term that often comes up in conversations about privacy is 'Personally Identifiable Information,' commonly referred to as PII. But what is PII exactly? Simply put, it is information that can be used on its own or with other data to identify, contact, or locate a single person, or to identify an individual in context. This might include a name, Social Security number, date of birth, or any other piece of information that can be linked back to a specific individual.
The Importance of Protecting PII
The protection of PII is critical because it is at the core of one's digital identity. The threats and risks of PII being compromised include identity theft, fraud, and a host of other unwanted complications. Consequently, safeguarding this information has become a priority for individuals and organizations alike. Governments around the world have implemented regulations like GDPR in Europe and CCPA in California to ensure that personal data is handled responsibly.
Best Practices for Handling PII
To protect PII, there are some best practices that should be followed. These include recognizing what constitutes PII, understanding the laws and regulations that apply to its handling, and implementing strong policies and measures for data protection. For individuals, it means being vigilant about sharing personal information and being aware of the digital footprints they leave. For organizations, it involves securing PII through encryption, access control, and regular security audits.
Cyber Search: Navigating Your Digital Presence
While talking about PII, one aspect that often gets overlooked is how easily it can be found online. Cyber Search is a platform that enables users to search for PII through a variety of ways - including name, address, phone number, and social media lookups. Cyber Search's name lookups can help individuals see what information about them is available publicly. Address searches can reveal who lives at a certain location, making it a useful tool for reconnecting with old friends or verifying identities. Similarly, with phone number searches, you can identify unknown callers or confirm if a number belongs to a particular individual.
Leveraging Social Media Search Responsibly
Social media platforms are a rich source of PII because individuals voluntarily share personal details on these networks. Cyber Search's social media search aids users in finding social media accounts by a username, which can be an asset for various personal uses. However, it is important to note that tools like Cyber Search should not be used for employment, tenant, or credit screening purposes, and must be used responsibly, respecting privacy and adhering to applicable laws and regulations.