demask

demask is a term that can refer to several things, primarily related to removing or uncovering something that is hidden or disguised. In a general sense, it means to strip away a mask or covering. This can be literal, such as demasking a statue by removing a cloth, or figurative, such as demasking a person's true intentions.

In the context of cryptography and computer security, "demask" or "unmasking" often refers to the process of revealing hidden information or breaking an encryption. This could involve deciphering a coded message or uncovering sensitive data that has been intentionally obscured. The term might also appear in discussions about data privacy, where demasking could describe the process of re-identifying individuals from anonymized datasets.

The word can also be found in more specialized fields. For instance, in military contexts, it might relate to revealing enemy positions or intentions. In the realm of art or history, demasking could refer to the restoration of a historical artifact by removing later additions or coatings to reveal the original work. The core idea remains consistent: the act of bringing something to light that was previously concealed.