Abstract: An approach for obfuscating sensitive data while preserving data usability is presented. The in-scope data files of an application are identified. The in-scope data files include sensitive data that must be masked to preserve its confidentiality. Data definitions are collected. Primary sensitive data fields are identified. Data names for the primary sensitive data fields are normalized. The primary sensitive data fields are classified according to sensitivity. Appropriate masking methods are selected from a pre-defined set to be applied to each data element based on rules exercised on the data. The data being masked is profiled to detect invalid data. Masking software is developed and input considerations are applied. The selected masking method is executed and operational and functional validation is performed.

Abstract: A method and system for obfuscating sensitive data while preserving data usability. The in-scope data files of an application are identified. The in-scope data files include sensitive data that must be masked to preserve its confidentiality. Data definitions are collected. Primary sensitive data fields are identified. Data names for the primary sensitive data fields are normalized. The primary sensitive data fields are classified according to sensitivity. Appropriate masking methods are selected from a pre-defined set to be applied to each data element based on rules exercised on the data. The data being masked is profiled to detect invalid data. Masking software is developed and input considerations are applied. The selected masking method is executed and operational and functional validation is performed.