Final answer:
Biometric authentication is a physical safeguard to protect PII, which utilizes unique physical traits to control access. It is part of a broader strategy to defend personal data that can include strong passwords, anti-virus software, and being aware of privacy rights and policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The protection of Personal Identifiable Information (PII) is critical in today's digital era, where breaches and identity theft are commonplace. Among the options provided, biometric authentication is an example of a physical safeguard for protecting PII. Unlike encryption or firewalls, which are digital measures, biometric authentication relies on an individual's unique physical characteristics such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans to grant access to devices and data. This method significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access to sensitive information.
In addition to biometric authentication, other important actions individuals can take to protect their data include: using strong passwords and PINs that are not easily guessed, regularly updating anti-virus software on computers, and notifying financial institutions of any changes in contact information. Additional measures such as using two-factor authentication, being vigilant about privacy policies, and understanding privacy rights further enhance one's data security.