What does PII stand for in the context of data security?

PII stands for Personally Identifiable Information, which refers to any data that can be used to identify an individual. This can include information such as names, social security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. In the realm of data security, understanding what constitutes PII is vital because protecting this type of information helps safeguard individuals' privacy and prevents identity theft, fraud, and other harms that can arise from unauthorized access to personal data.

Recognizing PII is essential for organizations to implement appropriate security measures and comply with data protection regulations, thereby ensuring that sensitive information is handled responsibly and ethically.