Personal & Sensitive Information Definition Guide

2025-07-15

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We continue to live in an age where information flows seamlessly across platforms. It makes it crucial for everyone to know what sets specific data apart. While some information is harmless when shared, certain personal and sensitive information requires careful handling. Reason? It can significantly create privacy and security concerns. Thus, businesses and individuals must recognise the importance of responsible data protection. However, what exactly categorises as personal and sensitive information? That is precisely what this Canara HSBC Life Insurance blog will spell out for you.

Key Takeaways

Personal information identifies you directly or indirectly, like your name, address, or photos.
Sensitive personal information includes data with higher privacy risks, like financial, medical, or biometric records.
Strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and antimalware software can protect against cyber threats.
Avoid oversharing online and beware of phishing scams pretending to be banks or insurers.
Secure old data and enable transaction alerts to monitor activity and prevent fraud in real time.

Understanding What is Personal Information

‘Personal information’ means any information that relates to a natural person, which, either directly or indirectly, in combination with other information available or likely to be available, is capable of identifying such a person.

In simple terms, personal information is any data that can identify you as an individual, either directly or when combined with other details. It forms the very basis of your identification in various offline and online spaces. Some common examples of personal information include the following:

Name
Date of Birth
Residential and Email Address
Telephone Number
School Information
Family Information
Personal Photos or Videos
Family Information

Understanding What is Sensitive Personal Information

Personal information that has more profound implications on an individual’s privacy and security is sensitive personal information. That’s why there are strict rules that govern how such information is collected and stored to ensure an individual’s safety.

Simply put, sensitive personal information of a person commonly consists of information relating to:

Important Passwords
Genetic or Biometric Data
Financial Information (Bank account, credit card, debit card or other payment instrument details)
Sexual Orientation
Racial or Ethnic Origin
Medical Records and History
Physical and Mental Health Conditions

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Best Practices to Protect Personal and Sensitive Personal Information

No technology can guarantee the complete safety of your personal and sensitive information. Thus, safeguard your data with the help of the following best practices:

Using Strong Passwords

Still, using your name or date of birth as your password? It is high time you change the password setting approach, as hackers can easily crack it. Create long and unique passwords, which include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters.

Try including numbers and special characters to reduce the risking of unauthorised access to your personal information.

Use Two-factor Authentication

What if you could add extra security to your personal and sensitive information? Do it by enabling two-factor authentication, which requires an additional authentication step to access your information.

It helps even when your passwords are compromised. The two-factor authentication may involve an additional code sent to your phone. It discourages the scammers from accessing your personal information.

Limit Sharing Information Online

Sharing personal and sensitive information online on any platform is a big NO! It can lead to identity theft, as scammers can collect your data online easily. Thus, you should never share any personal or sensitive information online unless asked by verified entities.

However, when doing so, enable device privacy settings so that only trusted connections can view your information.

Get Rid of Old Data

If you have several old files containing personal information on any of your digital devices, get rid of them immediately. Such files or data can be vulnerable to misuse. It is essential to securely wipe out outdated digital storage so that the risk of unauthorised access is minimal.

Similarly, if you have any old physical documents with personal information, shred and dispose of them securely.

If you are using any digital payment system, it is crucial to sign up with your bank for transaction notifications. It provides you with real-time alerts of any transaction and your account balance.

Thus, you are updated with your finances and are able to monitor account activity. In case of any suspicious or unauthorised transactions, notifications help you respond promptly to prevent fraud.

Beware of Imposters

Several cyber scammers or imposters are tricking unsuspecting individuals into giving out their personal and sensitive information. Beware of such fraudsters as they usually pretend to be contacting from an individual’s bank, credit card company, or other recognised entity.

They often use phishing emails, fake but authentic-looking websites, and even call merges. Remember, no recognised entity or officer will ask for any personal information over the phone, email, or SMS.

Use Antimalware Protection on Devices

If you are using any digital device, its complete security is non-negotiable. For this, install reliable and secure antivirus or antimalware software to prevent threats like spyware and ransomware.

Such software detects and removes suspicious files and apps with your permission to avoid sensitive information leaks. It creates an added security layer for all your digital devices against evolving cyber threats.

Avoid Clicking on Links from Unknown Contacts

Have you ever received links from unknown contacts? If yes, do not click on them unless you are sure about the genuineness of their source.

Links from unknown sources can link you to fraudulent websites or infect your devices with a virus. It can lead to the theft of your personal information. Thus, verify the sender’s identity before clicking on any such links.

Did You Know?

The origins of modern insurance can be found in the London Fire of 1666. Due to the severity of the fires, insurance became essential rather than optional.

Source: Investopedia

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between personal and sensitive personal information is crucial. While personal information is commonly shared, sensitive data requires a high level of security. Safeguarding personal and sensitive information requires you to implement the best data security practices.

It helps protect your privacy and identity. It also ensures your personal information remains secure online and offline. Resonating with this, Canara HSBC Life Insurance offers you a secure online platform, as you continue exploring our varied life insurance plans.

Glossary

Sum Insured: Sum insured is the maximum cap on the costs you are covered for in a year against any unfortunate event. It is applicable to non-life insurance policies like home and health insurance.
Sum Assured: Sum assured is the amount the life insurance company pays to the nominee if the insured event happens (death of insured). This term is used in life insurance policies.
Maturity Value: The amount of money paid out when a life insurance policy matures is known as its maturity value.
Risk Transfer: Risk transfer is a strategic method where a pure risk can be contractually shifted from one party to another as part of risk management and control.

FAQs Related to Insurance Policy

The government can intercept any personal or sensitive information generated, transmitted or stored on any digital device. However, the government must be satisfied that it is being done and is required in the national interest.

Absolutely! Updating passwords makes your digital devices less vulnerable to online threats. It is advisable to change your passcodes every three to six months.

Yes, if your personal information is disclosed without your consent with the intention to cause undue loss or gain. Then, the law may prescribe a penalty or imprisonment.

Disclaimer - This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited or any affiliated entity. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the blog or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. You should consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances before taking any action based on the content provided herein.

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