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Data masking refers to the process of changing certain data elements within a data store so that the structure remains similar while the information itself is changed to protect sensitive information. Data masking ensures that sensitive customer information is unavailable beyond the permitted production environment. This is especially common when it comes to situations like user training and software testing.
Techopedia Explains Data Masking
Automated development and testing methods cut down direct exposure to sensitive data. Even so, there are many situations where data is required. Take for, example, a bank that has outsourced some development to foreign companies. It is often illegal for customer information to leave the bank, never mind the country in which the bank is regulated. By using a technique like data masking, the offshored development firm can test the software with data that is similar to what would be experienced in the live production environment.
Potent data masking necessitates the modification of data so that the original values are not re-engineered or identified. Data could be encrypted and decrypted, relational integrity is sustained, safety polices can be proved, and separation of duties between administration and security can be started.
