Personally Identifiable Information, or PII, is any data that can be pieced together to identify an individual – think names, addresses, credit card information, social security numbers, medical information, and other sensitive information which can be used to steal someone’s identity.
As a business owner, you’re likely handling your clients’ PII on a regular basis. Protecting this information makes a difference for your clients’ security, as well as in your ability to build a trustworthy brand.
As a general rule, it’s best not to save or share PII unless you have a valid reason to do so. But if it’s a necessary component to running your business successfully, here are a few tools you can use to ensure you’re handling PII securely.
Use 1Password: Great for Sharing Account Information
Did you know that with 1Password you can actually store lots of things besides passwords? Here are just a few of many things that 1Password can store and share easily and securely:
- Bank Account Information
- Credit Card Numbers
- Identity Information
- Passport Information
- Drivers License
- Even Secure Notes and files
Tools for Storing & Sharing Files Securely
Any documents containing PII or other sensitive business information should be stored and shared securely. Here are a few different tools to consider for sharing sensitive data with clients: Google Drive, Box, TresorIt and SmartVault.
In addition to safeguarding your important documents, these tools allow you to collaborate with colleagues and clients and share files securely. All tools encrypt your files and documents, making it impossible for hackers to access them, even when the files are being shared.
Most of these tools can also be configured to meet compliance standards, such as HIPAA. Most of these tools are available as a cloud storage solution and an app for ease of mobility, and you can work offline without an internet connection.
Sharing files with anyone is risky, especially if they’re outside of your organization. Tools like these make it easy to protect your clients’ privacy.
The Bottom Line
Your clients trust you to keep their data safe, so if you absolutely have to collect and share PII, you need the right tools to properly secure that data. Making sure any files containing PII are encrypted/password protected and handled securely by the recipient of that data is key to maintaining privacy and security.
In the world of business, few things are more valuable than being a company that’s known to take the safety and security of client data seriously. The tools we’re recommending are relatively low-cost solutions that help you do more than just ‘say’ you take security seriously – they’ll actually help you become the security-conscious business your clients trust and recommend to others.
