Data masking vs. encryption: What’s the difference?
When it comes to data security, there are a few key methods that companies use to protect their information: data masking and encryption. Both of these methods have their own benefits and drawbacks, but what’s the difference between them?
Data masking is a process that replaces confidential information with dummy data.
Encryption, on the other hand, is a process that scrambles data so that it can only be read by someone who has the correct encryption key. So, which method is right for your company? Keep reading to learn more.
Pros and cons
There are a few key distinctions between data masking vs encryption. Data masking is used to protect specific data fields, while encryption is used to protect an entire record or dataset. Data masking is a reversible process, and the latter isn’t. Data masking is typically used to protect sensitive data, while encryption is used to protect data from being accessed by unauthorized individuals. Data masking is a more simplistic process, and it’s less likely to cause data corruption. Data masking is typically faster and less CPU intensive. And masking is usually less expensive. Masking is also less likely to cause data breaches. Overall, masking is a more lightweight and less risky security solution. It is ideal for protecting sensitive data fields, while still allowing the data to be used for reporting and analysis. Encryption, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive security solution. But it can be more risky and expensive. It is best used for protecting entire records or datasets from being accessed by unauthorized individuals.
When to use data masking
By masking the sensitive data, you can help ensure that it is not compromised if it is accidentally exposed or stolen. Data masking can also be useful for testing and development purposes. When you mask your data, you can safely test new applications and systems without risking the privacy of your actual data. It’s great for when you need to share data with third-party vendors or contractors, when you are required to disclose data as part of a compliance audit, or when you want to protect the privacy of employees or customers.
When to use encryption
There are times when encryption is a better choice. Organizations should use encryption instead of data masking when the data needs to be accessed by multiple people or needs to be accessed from multiple locations. If the data needs to be accessed in real-time or in a secure environment, encryption is a more secure way to protect data than masking. This is because it is hidden behind a wall of mathematical algorithms. Only people with the appropriate key can access the information. With data masking, the data is still visible, but the sensitive information is disguised.
So, which is better? Well, that depends on your business. Data masking is a great option for hiding sensitive data, but it can’t be used for authentication or decryption. Encryption, on the other hand, is a more secure option, but it can be more difficult to use. Data masking is the process of obscuring data so that it is not identifiable. This can be done by replacing confidential data with non-confidential data or by altering the data so that it is not recognizable. Encryption is the process of transforming readable data into an unreadable format. The data can only be read if you have the key to decrypt it. You can utilize these methods depending on the needs of your business. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which option is best. But both data masking and encryption are great ways to protect your data from unauthorized access.
