Understanding the Importance of PII in Federal Information Security Controls
In today’s world, where businesses are transferring more and more sensitive data over the internet and other networks, it becomes essential to ensure the safety and security of the information. The government has, therefore, put in place various federal information security controls to regulate how data is accessed, stored, and shared. One of the essential components of these controls is Personal Identifiable Information or PII. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the importance of PII in federal information security controls.
What is PII?
Personal Identifiable Information, commonly referred to as PII, refers to any information that can be used to identify an individual. The data may include names, social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, passport details, financial account information, and much more.
Why is PII Important in Federal Information Security Controls?
Federal information security controls are a set of guidelines and policies that ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data. One of the primary reasons for controlling PII is to protect individual privacy. Information about an individual’s identity, finances, and other personal details can be used maliciously by hackers or other malicious actors. Personal data can be used to commit identity theft, financial fraud, and other harmful acts that can lead to significant damages.
Moreover, PII is also essential for government agencies to perform their duties. Agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security rely heavily on PII to process and provide services to citizens. The Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) mandates government agencies and their contractors to protect this information from cyber threats.
Examples of PII Incidents:
Unfortunately, past events have shown that PII breaches can occur anytime, anywhere, and to anyone. The following cases are just a few examples of how vital it is to protect PII:
– In June 2015, the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced that hackers had accessed the agency’s digital personnel files, including PII of approximately 21.5 million current and former federal employees.
– In 2018, hackers stole over 380,000 British Airways customers’ credit card data and personal information, including PII, causing a significant loss for the airline.
– In 2019, Capital One bank experienced a data breach where over 100 million customers’ PII was stolen, leading to a $80 million settlement.
Conclusion
PII data should be processed with the utmost care and attention to detail. In a world where technology continues to play an ever-increasing role in our lives, individuals and organizations must understand the importance of PII in federal information security controls to help protect against identity theft, financial fraud, and other cyber threats. By employing the best cybersecurity practices, we can keep personal data safe and minimize PII breaches.
