Reporting inappropriate disclosures; it’s your duty Published April 1, 2009 By the 319th Communication Squadron Base Records Office GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A large number of Air Force offices on base handle personal information; therefore, it is imperative that all personnel understand what constitutes Personally Identifying Information and the proper handling of this sensitive information. What is PII? PII is defined as information that directly identifies an individual. Examples include names, addresses, social security numbers, telephone numbers or e-mail addresses. It is vital to protect this information, because it can easily result in identity theft. Identity theft is a situation in which an individuals' personal information is used without authorization in an attempt to commit fraud or other crimes. How should you protect PII information? First off, do not leave items such as performance reports, recall rosters or alpha rosters in an area that could result in their loss or theft. Additionally, once you are done with this type of information and you need to dispose of it, do not just throw it in the trash. Make sure you SHRED IT! Finally, the Air Force has mandated that all "for official use only" and PII information that is sent through e-mail be encrypted. If you discover any disclosures of PII data, report it immediately through your supervisor and chain of command and contact Mr. Fred Bolt or Tech. Sgt. Chasity Best. Mr. Bolt is the base privacy act officer and can be reached at (701) 747-6693. Additionally, lost, stolen or possibly compromised PII must be reported within one hour of discovery. An investigation will be initiated and those who are found guilty of causing the breach could be charged with criminal and civil penalties. Everyone has a chance of becoming a victim. The monetary and emotional cost of repairing an individual's identity can be extensive, requiring years to recover. Everyone must be diligent in protecting and properly destroying PII information.