Understanding the Importance of Addendum to Protected Personal Identifying Information
As technology continues to advance, concerns about how our personal identifying information (PII) is being collected, stored, and shared by both companies and governments have escalated. With the increasing number of high-profile data breaches from phishing scams and hacking attempts, securing sensitive information is critical. To protect PII better, companies and organizations are beginning to implement measures to ensure that any personal data used is secure. One such measure is the inclusion of addendum to protected PII.
What is Addendum to Protected Personal Identifying Information?
An addendum to protected personal identifying information is an attachment to an employment agreement that details the steps that an employer must take to safeguard the employee’s PII. It also often includes provisions requiring the employer to report any security breaches immediately to the affected employees, identify any parties who may have accessed the information without authorization, and provide credit or identity theft monitoring services at the employer’s expense.
Why is it Important to Include Addendum to Protected Personal Identifying Information?
It’s common for employees to provide their personal information to their employers, including Social Security numbers, addresses, birth dates, and bank account information. Employers who have access to this type of information have a responsibility to protect it. An addendum to protect PII ensures that the employer is taking essential steps to do so. By having such an agreement in place, employees can rest assured that their sensitive information remains safe and secure.
What are the Benefits of having Addendum to Protected Personal Identifying Information for Employers?
When employers implement an addendum to protect PII, they gain several benefits; these include:
- Enhanced Data Protection – Employee trust is important in the workplace. Implementing these types of measures lets employees know that their employer takes data protection seriously.
- Lower Risk of Data Breaches – By having a written agreement that outlines necessary procedures to protect employees’ confidential information, the risk of a data breach can be significantly reduced.
- Credibility Boost – Employees want to work for reputable companies that value their personal data. By implementing this agreement, employers can boost credibility in the eyes of their employees and potential hires.
Is Addendum to Protected Personal Identifying Information Legally Required?
Currently, according to federal law, the inclusion of an addendum to protect PII is not a legal requirement for employers. However, some states have regulations that require employers to provide credit monitoring services at their expense in the event of a data breach.
Conclusion
In today’s digital age, data protection is of utmost importance. Employee PII can fall into the hands of wrongdoers if appropriate measures are not taken to secure such information. An addendum to protected PII is a valuable tool that helps employees feel confident that their personal data is being safeguarded by their employer. Furthermore, such an agreement not only protects employers from possible legal consequences but also boosts their credibility in the eyes of current and potential employees.
