Protecting personal information is "your" responsibility

  • Published
  • By Fred Bolt
  • 319th Communications Squadron
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Personal information protection is an important topic in today's Air Force. So important, in fact, that Air Mobility Command has formalized this topic as an inspectable Command Interest Item (formerly known as a Special Interest Item). 

All Grand Forks Air Force Base squadrons will be graded on Personally Identifiable Information training compliance and information protection during the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection.

This inspection covers all aspects for sharing information including e-mail, SharePoint and network shared drives.

A large number of Air Force offices on this base handle personal information; therefore, it is imperative that all personnel understand what constitutes PII 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 individual's personal information is used without authorization in an attempt to commit fraud or other crimes.

How should you protect PII information? First, 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 properly, 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 that is sent through e-mail be encrypted.

If you discover unauthorized disclosures of PII data, report it immediately through your supervisor and chain of command and contact Mr. Fred Bolt or Tech. Sgt. Chasity Best in the Base Records Office 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, however we can all protect against unauthorized information disclosures. 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. 

These Grand Forks AFB Privacy Act Unit Monitors can answer your questions regarding PII: 

319 ARW: TSgt Harris and SrA Clarkson, 747-6018
319 MSG: A1C Gonzalez and A1C Hernandez, 747-3435
319 MXG: SSgt Jones and SSgt Gardner, 747-5271
319 MDG: Ms. Reed and Mr. Olsen, 747-5545
319 OG: SSgt Cox, 747-6817