Replacing Sensitive Data with Opaque Values

C.

Tokenization is the practice of utilizing a random and opaque "token" value in data to replace what otherwise would be a sensitive or protected data object.

The token value is usually generated by the application with a means to map it back to the actual real value, and then the token value is placed in the data set with the same formatting and requirements of the actual real value so that the application can continue to function without different modifications or code changes.

The strategy that involves replacing sensitive data with opaque values, usually with a means of mapping it back to the original value is called Tokenization.

Tokenization is a security technique that replaces sensitive data with a non-sensitive placeholder, or token, that has no exploitable meaning or value. These tokens act as a reference to the original data without revealing it, allowing for secure storage, transmission, and processing of sensitive information. The process involves generating a unique token for each sensitive data element, and the mapping between the token and the original data is kept in a secure database.

For example, when a customer enters their credit card number on an e-commerce website, the site may use tokenization to replace the sensitive credit card number with a token that is stored in a secure database. This token is then used to reference the actual credit card number when processing the payment.

Tokenization is different from masking, obfuscation, and anonymization. Masking involves hiding specific parts of sensitive data, such as masking credit card numbers to display only the last four digits. Obfuscation involves intentionally making data difficult to understand or read. Anonymization involves removing personally identifiable information (PII) from data sets to protect privacy.

In summary, Tokenization is a security technique that replaces sensitive data with a non-sensitive placeholder, or token, that has no exploitable meaning or value. It helps to protect sensitive data during storage, processing, and transmission by ensuring that the original data is not exposed.