Data Masking

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Data masking is a de-identification method where generic or placeholder labels are substituted for real data while preserving the structure or format of the original data.

• can mean that all or part of the contents of a database field are redacted by substituting all character strings with “x”, for example
• field might be partially redacted
  • to preserve metadata for analysis purposes
  • e.g., telephone number
    • dialing prefix might be retained, but the subscriber number is redacted
• can use techniques to preserve the original format of the field