Data Classification

Question 1

PCI DSS

Answer 1

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard - (PCI DSS)

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) deals primarily with credit and debit card information. Developed by a council including American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa, PCI DSS focuses on:

• Protecting financial transactions using secure networks.
• Managing vulnerabilities in systems.
• Implementing strong methods of access control.
• Conducting network security tests and monitoring.
• Maintaining a comprehensive security policy.

PCI DSS also specifies the types of account information that can be stored, such as account numbers and card expiration dates, but strictly prohibits storing credit or debit card security codes.

Question 2

HIPPA

Answer 2

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act - (HIPPA)

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a U.S. law that protects the security and privacy of Protected Health Information (PHI), a specific type of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) related to health and medical records. All healthcare companies in the United States are required to comply with HIPAA regulations, which focus on:

• Ensuring the confidentiality and security of PHI.
• Regulating the use and disclosure of health information.
• Providing individuals with rights over their health information, including rights to examine and obtain a copy of their health records.

Question 3

GDPR

Answer 3

General Data Protection Regulation - (GDPR)

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law that safeguards personal information for individuals in European Union (EU) member nations. Key aspects include:

• Universal Compliance: All organizations, regardless of their location, must adhere to GDPR provisions if they handle EU residents’ data.
• Breach Notification: Companies must inform authorities of major data breaches within 24 hours.
• Data Protection Authorities: Each EU member nation must establish a centralized data protection authority.
• Data Access and Portability: Individuals have the right to access their own data and request its transfer to another service provider.
• Right to be Forgotten: Individuals can request the deletion of their personal information if it’s no longer necessary for the purpose it was collected.

Question 4

PII

Answer 4

Personally Identifiable Information - (PII)

Personally Identifiable Information (PII) refers to any sensitive personal data that can be used to uniquely identify, contact, or locate an individual. PII includes a broad range of information such as:

• Login Information: Usernames, passwords, and security questions.
• Financial Data: Bank account numbers, credit and debit card information.
• Government Identifiers: Social Security Numbers (SSNs), driver’s license numbers, passport numbers.
• Personal Details: Full name, home address, email address, phone numbers.

Protecting PII is crucial for maintaining individual privacy and security. Various laws and regulations govern the handling of PII to prevent identity theft, fraud, and other forms of misuse.

Question 5

PHI

Answer 5

Protected Health Information - (PHI)

Protected Health Information (PHI) is a subset of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) that specifically relates to an individual’s health status, medical records, or healthcare services. PHI includes:

• Medical Records: Diagnoses, treatment information, test results.
• Health Insurance Information: Policy numbers, coverage details.
• Medical Billing Information: Invoices, payment history.
• Any Health-Related Data: Information that a healthcare provider collects during the course of treatment.

In the United States, PHI is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).