Data Masking

Which of the following allows for functional test data to be used in new systems for testing and training purposes to protect the real data?

A.

Data encryption

B.

Data masking

C.

Data deduplication

D.

Data minimization.

B.

The correct answer is B. Data masking.

Data masking is a process of creating a structurally similar but inauthentic version of an organization's data that can be used for purposes such as software testing and user training. In this process, sensitive data is replaced with fictitious data to ensure that the real data is protected. This is done to ensure that sensitive data is not exposed to unauthorized individuals or systems that do not have a legitimate need to access it.

Functional test data is used to test new systems to ensure that they function as intended before being released into production. This data must be protected and kept secure, as it may contain sensitive information. Data masking helps in protecting the functional test data by obscuring the real data with fictitious data that is structurally similar but does not reveal any sensitive information.

For example, a healthcare organization might use data masking to protect sensitive patient information while training new employees on how to use their electronic health record system. By masking the real patient data, the organization can provide a safe training environment that does not put patient privacy at risk.

In contrast, data encryption protects data by converting it into a code that is unreadable without a decryption key. Data deduplication eliminates redundant data to save storage space. Data minimization refers to the practice of collecting only the minimum amount of data necessary for a particular purpose. While these are important data protection measures, they do not specifically address the need to protect functional test data for testing and training purposes.