Abstract: A system and method for investigating a database operation, using forensic analysis. When a database intrusion is detected or suspected, various forensic techniques are applied to trace the intruder's activity and to locate or identify the intruder. An SQL (Structured Query Language) cache may be searched for SQL statements that may comprise SQL injection attacks or that target a particular set of data (e.g., credit card numbers). A System Change Number (SCN) may be used to identify a particular transaction; Undo and/or Redo logs may be reviewed to find other operations performed by the intruder, to retrieve metadata regarding the intruders session and transaction(s). A Flashback utility may be employed to replay the intruder's activity and/or to restore the integrity of the database. If available, an audit trail may also be examined.

Abstract: Returning rows having column values masked is disclosed. In response to receiving a database command, a modified database command is created that specifies whether to mask a value by returning a mask of the value instead of the value. In an embodiment, the condition expression is included in a policy function that is referenced by a policy. In an embodiment, the policy determines how the condition expressions are used. The condition expression may be used to determine which column values to mask. The condition expression may also be used to filter which rows are returned.