PII Compromise

Definition ∞ PII compromise refers to the unauthorized access or disclosure of personally identifiable information. This security incident involves the exposure of data usable to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity, such as names, addresses, financial records, or biometric data. Such compromises often result from cyberattacks, system vulnerabilities, or human error. The repercussions can extend to identity theft, financial fraud, and reputational damage for affected individuals and organizations.
Context ∞ In cryptocurrency news, PII compromise is a critical concern, particularly for centralized exchanges and digital asset platforms that collect user identification data for Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. Reports of PII breaches can severely impact user trust and lead to regulatory scrutiny. This affects the platform’s operational viability and user adoption. Protecting user data against compromise remains a significant challenge and focus for security efforts across the digital asset ecosystem.