Protecting PII: Why Army Personnel Need Proper Training
Modern-day warfare has become increasingly dependent on the use of technology and digital communications. In the age of cyber warfare, protecting personal identifiable information (PII) has become a top priority for the US Army. The consequences of a breach could not only result in a loss of reputation and trust but also threaten national security.
To mitigate the risk of PII breaches, proper training of Army personnel is essential. In this article, we will discuss why it’s crucial for Army personnel to receive appropriate training in protecting PII.
Importance of Protecting PII
PII is any information that can be used to identify an individual, such as social security number, date of birth, passport number, and biometric data. In the wrong hands, PII can be used for identity theft, financial fraud, and more. For Army personnel, PII breaches could have severe consequences on national security, as individuals with access to classified information could be put at risk.
In recent years, the US Army has seen an increase in PII breaches due to human error. In some cases, PII was mistakenly sent to the wrong personnel or left unsecured. These breaches put individuals at risk of identity theft and expose the Army to potential security risks.
Importance of Proper Training
Proper training is essential for Army personnel to prevent PII breaches, as it instills knowledge and practical skills necessary to identify and prevent breaches. Training should cover areas such as the importance of PII protection, basic security protocols, and incident reporting.
Training will also ensure that Army personnel are aware of the potential consequences of PII breaches and the various laws and regulations that govern PII protection. For example, the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulate how PII should be collected and used.
Case Studies
There have been significant data breaches in the past few years that highlight the importance of proper PII training. In 2015, the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) suffered a data breach that exposed the PII of millions of employees. The breach was caused by human error, highlighting the need for proper training to prevent such incidents.
Another example is the breach suffered by Equifax in 2017. The company’s PII was breached, affecting over 143 million US citizens. In this case, a failure to implement basic security protocols, such as timely patching of software vulnerabilities, was the cause of the breach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, proper training of Army personnel in protecting PII has become a necessity in the digital age. Breaches in PII can have severe consequences on national security and individuals’ lives. Through training, Army personnel can gain the knowledge and practical skills necessary to identify and prevent breaches, understand the potential consequences of PII breaches, and adhere to laws and regulations governing PII protection.
In summary, an investment in proper training is an investment in protecting national security and the wellbeing of Army personnel.
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