Paper-based PII is involved in data breaches more often than electronic PII documentation. Explain the following:
A. True.
B. False.
The correct answer and explanation is :
Answer: A. True
Paper-based Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is involved in data breaches more often than electronic PII documentation. While both forms of PII are susceptible to breaches, paper-based PII often poses a greater risk due to its physical nature and the lack of technological safeguards that protect electronic records.
One of the main reasons paper-based PII is more vulnerable is the lack of security measures inherent in physical documents. Paper records can easily be misplaced, stolen, or lost, and unlike electronic documents, they do not have built-in encryption, access controls, or audit trails that provide additional layers of protection. A misplaced file or improperly disposed of paper document can lead to a significant data breach, especially in environments like healthcare or education, where paper documentation is still commonly used.
Additionally, paper records can be accessed by unauthorized individuals more easily compared to electronic records. While electronic PII systems typically require passwords, two-factor authentication, or even biometric verification, paper-based records may only require someone to physically access the document, which is often more difficult to track. This makes paper documents much more vulnerable to theft or unauthorized access.
Another issue with paper-based PII is the lack of centralized monitoring systems. For example, electronic records can be monitored for access patterns, and any unusual activity can be flagged quickly. With paper records, such monitoring is much more challenging and prone to human error.
Furthermore, when paper records are shared or moved, the potential for breach increases significantly. It is common for paper PII to be transported or left in unsecured locations, increasing the risk of unauthorized access or loss.
Though advancements have been made to secure electronic PII, such as encryption and digital access controls, paper records remain inherently less secure due to their physical nature and the challenges in implementing effective safeguards. Therefore, paper-based PII is more often involved in breaches than electronic documentation.