Consistent masking using a cross-reference table
At Curiosity we use a reference database to enable our cross-reference functionality which is core to our ability to mask across multiple systems and keep referential integrity.
The cross-reference database comprises a table featuring columns for a cross-reference identifier, a pre-masked value (hashed), and a post-masked value. During the masking process, a lookup is performed based on the identifier and pre-masked hash. If a matching entry is located, the corresponding post-masked value is applied. In cases where no match is found, a new row is appended to the table.
To use the cross referencing ability during your masking routines you need to make sure the cross reference connection has been set up and configured in the masking configuration section. You can then select a name in the cross reference section as shown below:
Note: For each unique name the referencing will be different. For instance, if you are masking the first name John and the name for one masking ruleset has 'First Name' in the cross reference section and the other has 'Name' in there, they will be masked to different values.
Exercise 4 - Use cross-reference functionality
- On one of the columns that you have previously set up masking rules for, add a name for your cross reference section and then run
Consistent masking using hashing
Another method that can be used to achieve referentially integral masking is by using the hashing feature mentioned in List lookup function. By using this feature the tool converts a value, such as First Name, to a hashed value which relates to the row ID of the seedlist. For instance ‘Toby’ could be taken and given a hashed value for the row ID of 7 in a seedlist that could point to the value ‘Harry’. Thus every time Toby needs to be masked, the value of Harry will be used.
Conditional masking
You can also choose when to apply masking rules to your data set using the ‘where’ section in the masking ruleset, such as below:
The syntax is as follows [columnName] [Operator] [Value] such as the above JOB_TITLE <> ‘CEO’ making sure that any string values are enclosed in single quotes.
Exercise 5 - Implement a conditional masking rule
- Choose one of your masking rulesets and choose a column to implement a conditional rule
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