CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What type of information is considered PII in an organizational context?

1. General marketing data

2. Information that can identify an individual

3. Financial forecasting data

4. Aggregate employee performance metrics

The correct answer is: Information that can identify an individual

The correct answer identifies PII, or Personally Identifiable Information, as information that can identify an individual. In an organizational context, PII encompasses any data that can be used, alone or in conjunction with other information, to identify a particular person. Examples of PII include names, social security numbers, biometric records, and other identifiers that can trace back to an individual. Understanding PII is crucial for organizations as it relates to both privacy concerns and regulatory requirements. Organizations must protect this type of information to ensure compliance with laws such as GDPR or CCPA and to maintain trust with their employees and customers. In contrast, general marketing data is usually aggregated and does not point to specific individuals, making it outside the realm of PII. Financial forecasting data pertains to the financial outlook of the organization and does not identify individuals. Similarly, aggregate employee performance metrics summarize data across many individuals without pinpointing any specific person, which separates them from the definition of PII. Recognizing the distinctions between these forms of data helps organizations implement effective data protection strategies.