Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) Practice Exam

What term describes any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person, such as an identification number or factors specific to his physical, physiological, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity?

1. Authentication

2. Obfuscation

3. Personal Data

4. Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

The correct answer is: Personal Data

The correct choice is the term that specifically refers to any information related to an identified or identifiable natural person, encompassing a wide range of information that can identify an individual. Personal data is indeed a broad term that includes various identifiers such as names, identification numbers, and other attributes that pertain to a person’s identity. The other choices, while related to data security concepts, do not accurately define the term in question. Authentication refers to the process of verifying the identity of a user or system, which is different from the nature of the data itself. Obfuscation involves deliberately making information unclear or difficult to understand, often as a security measure to protect data. Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is a narrower term often used interchangeably with personal data but can have specific legal connotations depending on the context and jurisdiction. In this case, personal data accurately encapsulates the broader scope of information mentioned in the question.