What is personal identifiable information (PII)?

Personal identifiable information (PII) refers to any data that can be used to identify a specific individual. This encompasses a wide range of information, including but not limited to names, addresses, social security numbers, phone numbers, and email addresses. The defining characteristic of PII is its ability to pinpoint a person’s identity, which is crucial for protecting privacy and personal data.

The other options do not describe PII accurately. Information that is publicly available does not necessarily identify an individual directly, as it could apply to large groups or historical data. Data that does not change over time does not relate specifically to personal identity but could refer to static facts, which may not include identifying details. General organizational knowledge pertains to the collective understanding within an organization and does not primarily focus on individual identification. This highlights the importance of recognizing PII as a key factor in data security and privacy practices.