Description: User data masking is the process of obscuring specific data within a database to protect it from unauthorized access. This method is used to ensure that sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, personal identification, or medical data, is not exposed to unauthorized users or systems that do not require access to such information. Through masking techniques, the original data is replaced with fictitious or altered values that maintain the structure and format of the original data, allowing applications and processes that require data access to function without compromising security. This approach is crucial in environments where privacy and data protection are essential, such as in finance, healthcare, and personal data management sectors. Additionally, data masking helps organizations comply with data protection regulations, such as the GDPR in Europe, which mandates strict measures to safeguard users’ personal information.
