“Our Vision is to be your preferred cybersecurity partner. Accutive Security was founded in California in 2009 by software engineers and consultants focused on IAM + Crypto. Today we are partnered with the world’s leading IAM + Crypto companies to deliver services and products to our mutual customers.”
Static data masking (SDM) is a data security technique that permanently modifies sensitive data elements within a dataset, replacing them with realistic but fictitious values. This process creates an anonymized version of the data that preserves its structural integrity while safeguarding personally identifiable information (PII) and other confidential details. Accutive Data Discovery + Data Masking (ADM)’s data masking module is an example of a static data masking tool.
What is the Purpose of Static Data Masking?
Protect sensitive data
Static Data Masking obscures sensitive data within production databases to reduce security risks.
Enable safe data sharing
Developers, testers, and analysts can work with masked datasets without accessing the real, sensitive data.
Comply with regulations
Static Data Masking helps organizations adhere to data privacy laws like PCI, HIPAA, PIPEDA and CCPA.
Quantum Proof Data Protection
Static Data Masking is a fully quantum proof data protection technique as the masked data cannot be traced to the original sensitive data.
What is the difference between
Static Data Masking and Dynamic Data Masking?
Static Data Masking (SDM)
Definition
Permanently modifies sensitive data values in a dataset before storage or sharing. Creates a masked copy with realistic but fictitious data, preserving usability for development, testing, or analytics.
Security Advantage
Offers stronger security because the original sensitive data is never stored. Even if a bad actor breaches the database, they will only be able access the masked data.
Dynamic Data Masking (DDM)
Definition
Alters sensitive data on-the-fly, masking it only when accessed by users. The original data remains intact within the database.
Example of Dynamic Data Masking
Microsoft SQL Server offers built in dynamic data masking; however, it does not offer static data masking.
Security Considerations
Dynamic data masking may present a higher security risk. If a hacker gains access to the database, they might be able to view the unmasked sensitive data.
Which is more secure
Static data masking or Dynamic data masking?
Static Data Masking
More secure as the original
data is never stored.
Dynamic Data Masking
Less secure as the original data remains accessible within the database.
Choosing the Right Approach
The best method depends on your specific needs. Here’s a simplified breakdown
Learn more about Accutive Data Discovery + Data Masking,
the top rated static data masking solution on Gartner Peer Insights
as of April 2024:
