Personally identifiable information (PII) is information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity, such as name, Social Security number and biometric records, either alone or when combined with other personal or identifying information that is linked or linkable to a specific individual, such as date and place of birth or mother’s maiden name.

This term is defined by the National Institutes of Health. Some information that is considered to be PII is available in public sources such as telephone books, public websites and University listings (e.g., first and last name, address, contact information and general educational credentials). Non-PII can become PII when combined with other available information.