One of the most important tasks in data governance is data masking. In practice, it may appear simple, but getting it right can mean the difference between a simple path to properly secured data and a complex, confusing experience that leaves your data vulnerable to breaches. To further complicate matters, dozens of platforms and products claim to provide comprehensive data masking capabilities. How do you select data masking tools for your requirements?

Data masking is a data security measure that entails creating a bogus but highly convincing copy of your organization's secure data. Its purpose is to protect data from breaches or leaks when functional data sets are required for demonstration, training, or testing but you do not want to reveal actual user data.

Here are the top tools for data masking that will really help you and your business.

1. DATPROF – Test Data Simplified

DATPROF offers an intelligent method of masking and generating data for database testing. It uses a patented algorithm to subset the database in a very simple and proven manner.

The software can handle complex data relationships while maintaining an easy-to-use interface.

Key Features:

• Over multiple applications and databases, it is consistent.

• Support for XML and CSV files.

• Synthetic data generators are built-in.

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website as per your requirements.

2. IRI FieldShield

IRI is a US-based independent software vendor that was founded in 1978 and is best known for its CoSort fast data transformation, FieldShield/DarkShield/CellShield data masking, and RowGen test data collection and management solutions.

Key Features:

• Data profiling, discovery (search), and classification from multiple sources.

• A wide range of masking functions (including FPE) are available to de-identify and anonymize PII.

Cost:

Free trial and IRI Voracity have a low five-figure cost for perpetual use or are free.

3. Accutive Data Discovery & Masking

Accutive's Data Discovery and Data Masking (ADM) solution allow you to discover and mask your critical sensitive data while ensuring that the data properties and fields remain intact across any number of sources.

Key Features:

• The interface is user-friendly and customizable.

• A low-cost solution with clear pricing models.

• With a built-in progress display, it quickly performs masking configurations.

Cost:

Depending on the needs of the customer, four packages are available. For more information, please contact them.

4. IRI DarkShield

IRI DarkShield will simultaneously discover and de-identify sensitive data in multiple "dark data" sources. Use the DarkShield GUI in Eclipse to classify, find, and mask personally identifiable information (PII) "hidden" in free-form text and C/BLOB DB columns, complex JSON, XML, EDI, and web/app log files, Microsoft and PDF documents, images, NoSQL DB collections, and so on (on-premise or in the cloud).

Key Features:

• Built-in data classification and the ability to search, mask and report all at the same time.

• There are numerous search methods and masking functions available, including fuzzy match and NER.

Cost:

IRI Voracity has a low 4-5 figure cost for perpetual use or is free.

5. IRI CellShield EE

The Enterprise Edition of IRI CellShield can simultaneously locate and de-identify confidential material in one or hundreds of Excel sheets on a LAN or in Office 365. CellShield EE can make use of IRI Workbench's data classification and discovery features, as well as the same encryption, pseudonymization, and redaction functions as FieldShield or DarkShield.

Key Features:

• A wide range of ergonomic PII trying to search and masking methods are available.

• Formulas and multi-byte sets the maximum are supported.

Cost:

IRI Voracity has a low 4-5 figure cost for perpetual use or is free.

6. Oracle Data Masking and Subsetting

Oracle Data Masking and Subsetting help database clients improve security, speed up submission, and reduce IT costs.

By removing redundant data and files, it aids in the removal of duplicates for testing data, development, and other actions.

Key Features:

• Automatically discovers Complex Data and its relationships.

• Enhanced Application Models and a large Masking Plan Library.

• Complete data masking revolutions.

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.

7. Delphix

Delphix is a fast and secure data masking tool for masking data across the organization. It generates encoded rules for HIPAA, PCI DSS, and SOX.

To save and store data loading, the Delphix Masking Engine is used in conjunction with a Delphix data virtualization platform.

Key Features:

• End-to-end data masking and report generation.

• Masking Combined with data virtualization to accelerate data transport.

• It is simple to use because no training is required to mask data.

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.

8. Informatica Persistent Data Masking

Informatica Persistent Data Masking is a user-friendly data masking tool that assists an IT organization in accessing and managing its most complex data. It gives a large number of databases enterprise scalability, toughness, and integrity.

Key Features:

• Robust Data Masking is supported.

• From a single location, it creates and integrates the masking process.

• Features for dealing with a large number of databases.

• It has extensive connectivity as well as customized Application Support.

Cost:

There is a 30-day free trial available.

9. Microsoft SQL Server Data Masking

Dynamic Data Masking is a new security feature introduced in SQL Server 2016 that restricts unlicensed users' access to complex data.

It is a very simple, straightforward, and protective tool that can be created with a T-SQL query. Through the field, this data security procedure determines complex data.

Key Features:

• By securing data, you can simplify application design and coding.

• It makes no changes or transformations to the data stored in the database.

• It enables the data manager to select the level of complex data to expose while having the least impact on the application.

Cost:

A 12-month free trial is available.

10. IBM InfoSphere Optim Data Privacy

IBM InfoSphere Optim Data Privacy recommends data mapping and employs a masking report in conjunction with a masking asset. It includes predefined reports for PCI DSS and HIPAA. It has a wide range of capabilities for masking complex data in non-production environments.

Key Features:

• On request, private data is masked.

• Reduce risk by encrypting data.

• Accelerate the data privacy application.

• A safe environment in which to test applications.

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.

11. CA Test Data Manager

As it relates to the General Data Protection Regulation GDPR and other laws, CA Test Data Manager aids in data privacy and compliance issues. This application offers data mapping, data movement, and functional masking.

Key Features:

• Synthetic test data is generated for data testing.

• Future test scenarios and unexpected outcomes are generated.

• Data is saved for later use.

• This function generates virtual copies of test data.

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.

12. Compuware Test Data Privacy

Compuware Test Data Privacy aids in the mapping of data and the generation of generic masking reports.

This tool is primarily designed for the mainframe platform, but it also supports hybrid non-mainframe configurations.

Key Features:

• Reduces the difficulty by using codeless masking.

• Completes the normalization of data entering and exiting the masking process.

• Dynamic Privacy Rules with complex test data essentials like account numbers, card numbers, and so on.

• Allows for the discovery and masking of data within a larger field.

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.

13. NextLabs Data Masking

NextLabs Data Masking provides well-established software that can protect data and ensure cross-platform compliance.

NextLabs data masking relies heavily on its Dynamic Authorization technology with Attribute-Based Access Control. It safeguards all vital business data and applications.

Key Features:

• Aids in data classification and sorting.

• Monitors the movement and use of data.

• It restricts access to precise data.

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.

14. Hush-Hush

The Hush-Hush shield aids in the recognition of data against internal risk.

It de-identifies the complex data of the establishment. HushHush elements are pre-built procedures for elements such as credit cards, addresses, contacts, and so on.

Key Features:

• Installation takes less time and is simple.

• Workflows are more supple, robust, and take less time to create.

• Combination into SQL server, Biztalk, and other systems is simple and robust.

• To mask data, create a custom SSIS agenda.

Cost:

You can request free use and then contact them to discuss final pricing.

15. iMask Dynamic Data Masking

MENTIS powers iMask dynamic data masking. It is primarily used in manufacturing environments. Enterprises can easily decide who has access to masked or unmasked data using iMask.

Key Features:

• Conditional or role-based access to sensitive information is granted.

• For data protection in cloud-based applications, proxy-based servers are used.

Cost:

Pricing must be obtained from the sales team.

16. Data Sunrise

Data Sunrise's dynamic data masking, in conjunction with Data Sunrise's database security work, secures the existing database and modifies it into predefined and random data.

Users must predefine the data entries for which data masking is to be performed, as well as the location of these databases.

Key Features:

• Users always have access to the most up-to-date database.

• Users are not required to rely on additional servers.

Cost:

It provides users with a free trial at first, but for additional features, users must contact the sales team.

17. Talend

Through two of its products, Talend enables users to implement data masking practices.

A user has the advantage of putting the shuffling process into action with the help of Talend data quality. Data privacy is achieved through data reorganization.

Key Features:

• Machine learning is used to solve data quality problems.

• In real-time, users can easily profile and clean data.

• Data governance is kept in the hands of users.

Cost:

You can request free use and then contact them to discuss final pricing.

18. Immuta

Immuta Dynamic data masking by Immuta helps users mask sensitive information without copying or moving data.

It helps users comply with federal, industry, employment, and contractual regulations without transferring or copying data.

Key Features:

• The K-Anonymization technique is used to keep information private while anonymizing data.

• By automating access based on time-based windows, user geography, and data in adjacent cells or reference tables, conditional data masking reduces security and privacy risks.

Cost:

It provides users with a 14-day free trial. After the free trial period expires, users must contact the sales team for pricing.

19. Salesforce

Data Mask by Salesforce protects sensitive information while teams test and build applications. Full sandbox mirror productions help teams test applications quickly.

Key Features:

• Template masking, which produces masking configuration settings with random letters or digit numbers of 20 characters, can be used for data encryption.

• Users with increased speed can allow other processes to run in parallel with server-side pre-processing, and they do not need to be active on different browsers for data masking.

Cost:

For a price, please contact the sales team.

20. DataVeil

FileMasker by DataVeil is a tool for masking flat files and text files in CSV and JSON formats. It is also possible to run it as an AWS Lambda function.

Key Features:

• FileMasker is capable of processing many terabytes of data per hour.

• Users can mask files on their local file system using the GUI or command line.

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.

21. Irion

Irion assists businesses in meeting privacy and security concerns by ensuring consistent data flow while addressing privacy and compliance concerns.

Key Features:

• Users benefit from full data masking assimilation with Irion systems because it allows pre-transformed information to be masked and along with its output.

• Users can also use functions such as mapping dictionaries and integrating solutions with their data governance strategies.

Cost:

For pricing, users must contact the sales team.

22. Fogger

The fogger is an open-source GDPR-compliant data masking tool that helps developers comply with production data. Fogger gives users the ability to create subsets and even exclude specific tables. Furthermore, users can customize Fogger with their own strategies.

Key Features:

• Integrates easily with your existing infrastructure.

• Exclude any data tables that are no longer required.

Cost:

It is open-source and freely available to users.

23. BizDataX

BizDataX Data masking simplifies data masking in non-production environments by cloning the entire production or only a subset of its data. It identifies sensitive data, transforms it into the least sensitive data, and applies it to the database to further GDPR compliance, thereby improving overall business operations.

Key Features:

• BizDataX ensures data integrity by ensuring that data from different sources is consistent.

• It generates replacement values in the same format as real data subsets.

Cost:

Users can resemble 1TB of data with a total of 100 data masking fields within a 30-day trial period.

24. Redgate

Data Masker by Redgate offers users an automated data masking solution. It integrates with SQL Data Catalog, which aids in the provision of masking sets for the protection of sensitive data.

Key Features:

• Keeps users prepared for future compliances by providing them with automated masking approaches.

• It is quite fast due to its high-performance systems, which allow for faster data masking.

Cost:

Pricing must be obtained from the sales team.

25. Privitar

Privitar is a popular data masking and de-identification tool, though it is somewhat limited in terms of total capabilities. When compared to traditional methods, it allows collaboration among data owners, data consumers, and data guardians to deliver safe data quickly.

Key Features:

• By addressing gaps in their privacy strategies, Privitar has been assisting customers all over the world in increasing their ability to leverage sensitive data across broader ecosystems.

• Their mission is to assist clients in realizing their innovation potential by enabling them to safely use sensitive data while retaining maximum utility and privacy.

Cost:

The package starts at $700 per month.

26. VGS Platform

Very Good Security (VGS) enables businesses to use and exchange sensitive data without ever having to see or hold the data itself. VGS is on a mission to protect the world's information by transforming security and privacy, based on the premise that "you can't hack what isn't there."

Key Features:

• Token API

• PCI compliance

• Data breach prevention

• Seamless integration

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.

27. Imperva

The Imperva Data Masking tool can do much more than just mask data. It aids us in testing, learning, app development, and operational processes while protecting sensitive data. It replaces our sensitive data with fictitious values in non-production contexts, ensuring analytical and functional accuracy.

Key Features:

• Expertise in services

• Product performance and functionality

• Service Offerings

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.

28. Micro Focus Voltage SecureData Enterprise

At the application level, Micro Focus Voltage enterprise provides unrivaled security for your data. Micro Focus System protects your company's data remotely. I strongly advise you to give it a shot and ensure that it will benefit your company in the long run.

Key Features:

• Improve decision-making

• Motivate innovation

• Controlling costs

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.

29. K2View Data Masking

K2View Data Masking, with its excellent dynamic and static data masking capabilities, provides excellent security for the company's sensitive data. It protects data classified as personal, sensitive, and commercially sensitive by encrypting it with the SHA-266 and SHA-512 algorithms.

Key Features:

• The cutting-edge technology is innovative, quick, and scalable.

• The platform's high-end secured encryption prevents data leaks and unauthorized security access to confidential information.

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.

30. Eclipse Risk

Eclipse Risk allows us to anonymize large datasets while also obtaining valuable information and making the most of all anonymized data. It is simple to install and use, and it is also extremely secure because it does not store any data and can be run manually via the browser.

Key Features:

• Viability

• Total cost

• Product roadmap and vision for the future

• Product performance and functionality

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.

Things To Consider While Selecting Data Masking Tools

Masking Of Data

Dynamic data masking enables you to manage data access and privacy in order to comply with internal rules as well as federal or industry regulations, all without having to copy or move data. Manually removing or copying data can be time-consuming and inefficient, resulting in delays or a reduction in data utility.

Discovering Sensitive Data

The best data masking and access control tools, such as Immuta, can automatically classify and tag identifiers as direct, indirect, or sensitive. This reduces manual processes while also speeding up and simplifying human inspection when necessary.

Control Of Universal Data Access

Data access control is a fundamental but critical tenet of data governance, and in order to keep sensitive data truly secure, you need a tool that automates access control with fine-grained parameters.

Automation Of Auditing And Reporting

Platforms like Immuta provide automated policy enforcement, which is a critical tool that makes auditing data usage easier and faster than ever before. The platform you select should enable you to gain real-time insights into data usage across your organization by generating detailed, auto-generated reports that show which data was accessed by whom.

Deterministic

Deterministic data masking is a type of data masking in which every instance of one value is replaced with a different, predetermined value. This could imply replacing every instance of the value '20' with '25.' While this method is a quick and easy way to mask data, it also has the potential to reverse engineer masked data to discover the original values.

Conclusion

As of 2022, the data masking tools listed above are among the best on the market.

However, choosing the right tool is dependent on the size of the data, day-to-day operational requirements, and other business parameters.

Organizations are expected to be cautious and conduct extensive research before implementing any data masking tool.

FAQs

What are Data Masking tools?

Data masking is a method of concealing data. Actual data is masked by random letters in data masking. It shields confidential information from those who do not have the authority to see it.

Data Masking Tools are safeguarding tools that prevent the misuse of complex information. These Tools replace complex data with erroneous data. They can be used in any part of the application development or testing process where the end-user enters data.

What should you consider while using Data Masking tools?

Data masking is a technique for creating a phony but realistic version of your organization's data. The goal is to safeguard sensitive data while also providing a functional alternative when real data is not required, such as in user training, sales demos, or software testing.

Companies must understand what information needs to be protected, who is authorized to see it, which applications use the data, and where it resides, both in production and non-production domains, in order to perform data masking effectively.

Why should data be masked?

Data masking protects personally identifiable information (PII) and other confidential information held by the organization.

It protects the process of transferring files from one location to another. It also aids in the security of application development, testing, and CRM applications. It provides users with the ability to access dummy data for testing or training purposes.

How Is Data Masking Performed?

Data masking can be performed statically or dynamically.

To achieve data masking, a copy of a database that is identical to the original must be created. Data masking protects private information in real-time. When a query is directed to a database, the records are replaced with dummy data, and masking procedures are applied as needed.

What are the features of Data Mask Tools?

The following are the various features of these Tools:

• Masking Procedures present data on-demand.

• Data privacy legislation aids in tracking compliance.

• There are codeless masking rules available.

• Data stored in various databases can be accessed.

• For testing, accurate but fictitious data is available.

• Encryption conversion with format preservation.