Anthony LaFaziaCEO, Atlantic Training · CEO at Atlantic Training | EdTech & Safety Compliance Leader

Identifying Sensitive Data: What Counts as Protected Information and Where It Hide

3 Aug 2026 · 2 min

Watch on YouTube

1:52

The video segment explains that sensitive data goes beyond high‑profile hacks, encompassing everyday information such as personally identifiable information (names, addresses, DOB, SSNs), financial details (account numbers, credit data), consumer reports, background screening data, and employee records (payroll, benefits, performance). It stresses that protecting this data requires awareness of where it resides—not just in databases—highlighting common exposure points like emails, printed documents, unlocked screens, and public conversations. The speaker also notes the risk of employee training information being scattered across spreadsheets and emails, underscoring the need for centralized management. The segment concludes with a promotional pitch for Atlantic Training WAVE, a platform that bundles HR and soft‑skills courses with onboarding automation and leadership‑development tracking, offered free with a training plan.

Chapters

When people hear sensitive data, they often think of hackers or massive data breaches. In reality, most privacy and security risks involve everyday information handled in routine work. This includes personally identifiable information , such as names, addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers; financial information, including account numbers, credit data, and payment details; consumer report information and background screening data; employee records, including payroll, benefits, and performance information; paper records as well as electronic files. Is your employee training scattered across spreadsheets and emails?
There's a better way to grow your team. Atlantic Training WAVE provides world-class HR and soft skills courses, all hosted inside our WAVE management platform. From onboarding automation to tracking leadership development, WAVE tracks it all. And you get the software for free when you choose your training plan. Click the link below to build your custom plan now.
If information can be used to identify a person or affect them financially, legally, or professionally, it needs to be protected. It's also important to remember that sensitive data isn't limited to databases or systems. It shows up in emails, printed documents, screens left unlocked, and conversations held in public or shared spaces. Protecting data means being aware of where information exists, not just where it's stored.