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According to GEODI can mask or anonymize files or databases based on discovery results.

Masking means blacking out sensitive data, and anonymization means replacing data with fake but real-looking ones. Both functions allow you to share content with less concern. Masking hides sensitive information, and you can identify whether a document is masked. But anonymization creates a completely real-looking version of the content. Anonymization is more suitable for testing or data scientists.

There are some masking options.

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Change with a simple character, like **

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discovery results, masking or anonymization can be applied to files and databases.

Masking refers to obscuring sensitive data in a content or replacing it with a fixed text. Anonymization, on the other hand, involves replacing a value with other values that appear to be real.

With masking, sensitive data is completely obscured, while anonymization breaks the link with real data but still maintains the appearance of real data. By anonymizing data containing sensitive information, you can easily share it with testing teams, data analysis teams, or researchers.

How the findings should be masked can be determined.

  1. You can simply replace it with *.

  2. You can replace a name or phone number with a distinct value such as [NAME] or [TELNO]First 2, last four char of an IBAN or CreditCard.

  3. For identifiers like IBAN or credit card numbers, you can use the first 2 and last 4 characters.

  4. For names, applying Module: GEODI Data Masking, such as capitalizing the first letter, is possible.

(info) Content names (File names, e-mail subjects, ..) are not masked

Info

Masking chocies

  • Persistent File Masking: Selected files are masked/anonimized persistently. Keeping the original values is a choice. You may choose to replace all findings, PII or just financial values.

  • Dynamic Masking: Dynamic option allows you to set visibility of sensitive i,nformation by permissons. Same content (a PF, word , ..) looks different to different users based on permissions.

  • Database Masking: It is possible to mask/animiyze a database for software development teams. This capability should not be confused with products that perform dynamic database masking.

    can be done in several ways.

    1. Permanent File Masking: In file-based data, discovery layers identified as permanent or copy can be altered. It is possible to define rules separately for personal data, financial data, or all data. A copy document can be created where all identified words with identifiers or dictionaries are hidden. Different masking options may exist for the legal and purchasing departments of the same document.

    2. Dynamic Masking: Discovery layers selected with selected groups/users change dynamically. So, while one user sees the same document in its entirety, another user may view it with financial areas or personal data hidden.

    3. Database Masking: It creates a masked or anonymized copy of a given database as the source. It is possible to mask a database for software development teams

    Persistent File Masking

    GEODI creates a copy of the content undergoing masking to perform the process. The operation functions in the "Mask and Download" manner.

    Note

    You may also use batch masking options on the actions menu. Batch masking allows you to mask thousands of files at the same timecan also perform this process in bulk using the "Batch Mask/Anonymize" action from the Actions menu. Actions create a script that should be executed by the system administrator. In case of individual files or a small number of files, you can generate modified copies of the files using the masking/anonymization process within the viewer.

    Info
    • Masking operates in the following formats:

      • Word (*.doc, *.docx, *.rtf)

      • Excel (*.xlsm, *.csv, *.xlsx, *.xls)

      • PDF (*.pdf)

      • Powerpoint (*.ppt, *.pptx, *.ppsx)

      • LibreOffice (*.odp, *.odt, *.ods)

    • In the viewers of supported formats for the masking process, access is available under the (info) button.

    • You can mask all discovered data or a selected subset by creating as many definitions (Masking Metadata) as needed.

      • By default, the following definitions are provided. Changes and additions can be made using the method specified on this page.

      • For example, with masking, a name like "Hasan Hüseyin" can be masked as "[NAME]" or "****". Different masking formats can be defined based on different identifiers using definitions. This means that names, IBANs, and currency expressions can all be masked differently.

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    1. When you need to share your database with software or testing teams. Masking permanently removes sensitive data from your database for this use case.

    2. When you share your database for data analysis, it permanently removes sensitive data, allowing you to safely share the database.

    Permissions

    The permission for masking Masking authorization is the same as the document download permissionauthorization. Those with download permission permissions can use masking. You may also utilize group-based dynamics maskingit.

    For dynamic masking, authorization can be done based on user and discovery layer.

    License

    A MASKING and DISCOVERY license is required.