Why Individuals Should Care About PII

You don't collect data as part of you job, so you don't need to know about PII? WRONG! As a user who is online it is critical that you understand what Personal Identifiable Information is and the repercussions of it falling into the wrong hands! Take the view minutes to review this blog so that you can become aware of how you can protect yourself online. 

As an individual, it is essential to care about PII because the misuse or unauthorized access to your personal information can have significant consequences. For instance, if your social security number or credit card details fall into the wrong hands, you may become a victim of identity theft. This can result in financial losses, damaged credit, and even legal troubles as your identity is used to commit fraudulent activities.

The leaking of sensitive PII can harm your reputation and privacy. A breach of personal information can lead to embarrassing situations, damage personal relationships, and have a lasting impact on your personal and professional life. Furthermore, unauthorized individuals gaining access to your healthcare information can compromise your medical history and treatment options, potentially having severe consequences on your health and well-being.

To protect your PII, it is crucial to be vigilant about sharing personal information online, using strong and unique passwords, regularly updating security software, and being cautious when interacting with unfamiliar websites or emails. It is also essential to be aware of privacy policies and terms of service to understand how your PII is handled by different organizations.

PII is any information that can be utilized to identify an individual, and its protection is of utmost importance in today's digital world. Understanding the potential risks and taking necessary precautions to safeguard your personal information is crucial to protect your financial well-being, privacy, and overall security.