Types of Data Masking:

  1. Static Data Masking (SDM): Involves creating a duplicate of a production database with masked data. This copy can be safely used for software development, testing, or training without risking data breaches. Salesforce

  2. Dynamic Data Masking (DDM): Modifies data in real-time as users access it, ensuring that sensitive information is never exposed in its original form. The original data remains unchanged, and masking occurs only during data retrieval. Salesforce

  3. On-the-Fly Data Masking: Adjusts source data in real-time during its transfer to another location, such as a testing or development system. This method is suitable for businesses with continuous software deployment and heavy integrations. Salesforce

Common Data Masking Techniques:

  • Anonymization: Transforms data into unreadable results, making it impossible to trace back to the original values. Salesforce

  • Data Substitution: Replaces original data with new, non-sensitive values that maintain the data's format and type.

  • Data Scrambling: Obscures original content by rearranging characters, ensuring the data appears random and unrecognizable.

Best Practices for Implementing Data Masking:

  1. Identify Sensitive Data: Determine which data elements require masking, such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial records, or intellectual property. Salesforce

  2. Select Appropriate Masking Techniques: Choose methods that align with the sensitivity and intended use of the data, ensuring that masked data retains its utility for development or testing purposes. Salesforce

  3. Test Masked Data: Verify that the masking process preserves data integrity and meets security objectives, ensuring that masked data is both realistic and secure.

  4. Maintain Data Consistency: Ensure that masked data remains consistent across different systems and environments, preserving relationships and referential integrity.

By implementing data masking, organizations can protect sensitive information, comply with privacy regulations, and enable secure data sharing with third parties, all while maintaining the data's usability for legitimate business purposes. Salesforce

Hai Bui

I'm a seasoned Salesforce professional with a knack for driving business growth and efficiency. On top of that, I bring a diverse skill set that includes Nextjs, Nodejs, Java, and Salesforce. 

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