Personally identifiable information definition
Personally identifiable information is any information that can be used to identify an individual, like their name, address, phone number, email address, social security number, date of birth, driver's license number, financial information, medical information, and other similar data. PII is often used by businesses, governments, and other organizations to provide services or conduct transactions, but it can also be used for identity theft or fraud. It is important to safeguard your personally identifiable information and only share it with trusted individuals and organizations.
See also: digital identity, synthetic identity theft
How to protect your personally identifiable information
- Use strong and unique passwords. Use a different password for each online account and make sure they're difficult to guess.
- Enable two-factor authentication. It provides an extra layer of security by requiring a code or biometric authentication in addition to your password.
- Keep your software up to date. Make sure that you are using the latest version of your operating system, browser, and other software and that you have installed all security updates.
- Be cautious of emails from unknown senders. Be cautious of emails that ask for your personal information or contain suspicious links.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi networks can be unsafe, so avoid using them to access sensitive information.
- Monitor your accounts. Regularly check your bank accounts and credit cards for suspicious activity.
- Use a VPN. A virtual private network, like NordVPN, can provide an additional layer of security by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your real IP address.
