Protecting your personal information, or that of your staff and clients can seem like a second job.
Just the term “Phishing” which was email based, has evolved to multiple types of attempts to fool you. For example, Vishing (voice), Smishing (text) and Pharming (code that redirects you to malicious websites) are all ways to trick you.
The Department of Homeland Security website offers a free tool that was designed initially for DHS staff, but is full of best practices, definitions and resource links.
DHS Handbook for Safeguarding Sensitive PII
The term PII is used repeatedly, but what does it mean to you. Below is a simple resource, as defined by DHS.
What is PII?
PII includes your name and your work email, address, and phone.
What is Sensitive PII?
STAND ALONE
Social Security numbers
Driver’s license or state ID numbers
Passport numbers
Alien Registration numbers
Financial account numbers
Biometric identifiers
IN COMBINATION
Citizenship or immigration status
Medical information
Ethnic or religious affiliation
Personal email, address, and
Account passwords
Last 4 digits of the SSN
Date of birth
Criminal History
Mother’s maiden name
In addition to taking steps to safeguard your PII, individuals and business can purchase resources, and / or insurance products that are designed to respond. Learn more about Cyber Insurance here