What are examples of PII?
Definition
Examples of PII (personally identifiable information) include a name, Social Security number, date of birth, home address, phone number and biometric records: any information that can identify a person, alone or combined with other data.
- Category
- Identity
- Also called
- PII examples, examples of personally identifiable information
- Last updated
NIST defines PII as information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual's identity, such as name, Social Security number or biometric data records, either alone or combined with other information that is linked or linkable to a specific individual, for example date and place of birth or mother's maiden name.
Examples that identify you on their own
- Full name
- Social Security number
- Passport or driver's licence number
- Fingerprints and other biometric records
- Financial account numbers
Examples that identify you when combined
- Date and place of birth
- Mother's maiden name
- Home address and phone number
- Email address
- Employer and job title
A postcode alone points to thousands of people. Add your age and your street, and it points to one. That's why NIST says information can be PII when it is "linkable" to you, even if it doesn't name you.
An example of how it adds up
A people-search site shows your full name, age, current and past addresses, phone numbers and relatives on a single free page. No single item is a secret, but together they are enough for someone to open accounts in your name or turn up at your door.
PII vs. personal data
"PII" is the term used mainly in the US. In the UK and EU the law talks about personal data, which is a broader idea. See our entry on PII for the full definition.
How to protect yourself
- 1
Share the minimum
Give only the PII a form needs. Your Social Security number is rarely needed for a store account or a newsletter.
- 2
Lock down what's already out
Check what shows when you search your own name. People-search sites list address, phone and relatives. Serus finds where your address and phone number are listed and removes them.
- 3
Freeze your credit if your SSN leaks
A credit freeze stops new accounts being opened with your number. It is free in the US.
- 4
Watch for breach notices
If a company tells you your PII was in a breach, change the password for that account and watch your statements.
See where your personal data is exposed
Serus finds it on data brokers and people-search sites and removes it.
Frequently asked
Is an email address PII?
It can be. An email address that contains your name, or that is tied to your profile elsewhere, can identify you. Treat it as PII.
Is a phone number PII?
Yes, in most cases. It's linked to you and often found next to your name and address in public listings.
What is the most sensitive PII?
Items that let someone open accounts or prove they are you: Social Security number, passport number, financial account numbers and biometric records.
Sources
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