adatmaszkolást

Adatmaszkolás, also known as data masking or data obfuscation, is a process used in information security to protect sensitive data by replacing it with realistic but fictitious data. The primary goal is to create a version of a dataset that can be used for purposes such as software testing, development, or analysis without exposing the actual confidential information. This is particularly important for compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR or HIPAA.

The masking process typically involves several techniques. These can include substitution, where original data is replaced with data from a lookup table; shuffling, where data within a column is randomly rearranged; deletion, where sensitive fields are removed entirely; and nulling out, where sensitive data is replaced with null values. The specific method chosen depends on the type of data and the intended use of the masked dataset. For example, masking a credit card number might involve replacing the digits with a randomly generated but valid-looking sequence, while masking a name might involve substituting it with a fictional name from a predefined list.

Adatmaszkolás ensures that the masked data retains its structural integrity and statistical properties, meaning that the masked dataset can still be used to accurately test applications or perform analyses. This allows organizations to maintain development and testing workflows without compromising the privacy of their customers or the security of their sensitive information. It is a critical tool for balancing data utility with data protection.