A method and apparatus for providing accurate detection of confidential information is described. In one embodiment, the method includes searching a text document for multiple classified data patterns associated with confidential information that is represented as personal identifiers. The method further includes finding, in the text document, one or more personal identifier candidates matching any of the classified data patterns, and validating each of the personal identifier candidates using one or more personal identifier validators to provide accurate detection of the confidential information in the text document.