In a time where data breaches and cyber attacks are escalating, keeping sensitive data secure has never been more vital. That’s where data masking is helpful. In lieu of putting authentic data into circulation, masking tools introduce synthetic data that is realistic-looking but not authentic, keeping unauthorized individuals from exploiting them. Whether you handle financial data, customer data, or medical data, the appropriate data masking tool can make all the difference.
Now, with so many options in data masking tools, selecting the best one can be overwhelming. But don’t worry—I’m here for you. Let’s take a look at seven of the best data masking tools available now, and the features that make them great.
1. K2view
K2View is the perfect solution for those business organizations where high-speed, flexible data masking is the need of the hour. One distinctive selling proposition for K2View is its micro-database idea, where each record is separately maintained independently in the form where access and masking is very efficient. This ensures sensitive data is protected, whether during transit or when not being used.
One of the advantages of K2View is its ability for real-time masking. It is appropriate for business organizations that need continuous data updates, thus being ideal for banking, medical, and business corporations operating massive data every second. The tool also comes with 200+ out-of-the-box data masking methods, AI-assisted automation including PII discovery, role based access control, etc.
Another strong capability of K2View is its ability for the handling of unstructured and structured data from various platforms. Whether your data is held in traditional databases or modern cloud platforms, K2View is able to work seamlessly alongside them.
On the downside, K2View’s premium features will require some investment of time figuring them out and applying them. Nevertheless, when you need data masking solution for scalability, speed, and real-time security, one of the best you can find is K2View.
2.Delphix
Delphix is all about efficiency and ease when it comes to data masking. If your business deals with ever-changing data, this tool masks sensitive data in real-time. That is, you need not worry about delays or outdated masked data—everything is recent and secure.
Another amazing aspect is the fact that Delphix is suitable for use in the cloud environment. With increased business migration towards the use of the cloud for storing data, the ability for the tool to work seamlessly alongside platforms like AWS and Azure is a significant plus.
The only downside? If you need heavy customizations, Delphix will not support nearly as many high-level settings as some of the more complex tools out there.
3.Informatica Dynamic Data Masking
Informatica is one of the heavy hitters when it comes to data security, and its Dynamic Data Masking solution is one of the best for real-time defense. Unlike masking data at rest (i.e., when data is being stored), this solution shields data even when data is being queried or being sent.
What makes this tool distinctive is its ability to apply multiple masking regulations based upon the user’s job. For example, you can allow an employee access to some financial data but not pay data—Informatica can mask the specific data without limiting access to anything else.
4.Oracle Data Masking and Subsetting
If your business is based upon Oracle databases, Data Masking and Subsetting from Oracle is the best solution. Since it is optimized for Oracle environment, you can seamlessly integrate it and avoid complicated set-up procedures.
This tool not only encrypts data, but also compacts the database by removing redundant data. That is a great utility for corporations willing to save space while keeping their sensitive data confidential.
One of its best features is its ability to deal with complex data relationships. If your database has lots of tables interconnected, Oracle will ensure data is masked and is logical and functional. All said and done, note that if you deal with non-Oracle databases, this tool will not be very helpful.
5.Microsoft SQL Server Data Masking
If you’re using Microsoft SQL Server, you’ll find relief in the knowledge that it has data masking features integrated into its core. One good thing about this tool is the fact that it’s simple and doesn’t need you to buy anything extra. It’s the best option for setting up simple masking quickly instead of forking over extra dollars for third-party tools.
One of the greatest advantages of the masking ability of SQL Server is its ease. Multiple masking forms can be applied, including masking the complete value or partial data (i.e., the display of only the last four digits of the credit card).
That said, while useful, it is not nearly as complex as some specialized masking tools. If you need more complex masking regulations, you will find its features somewhat limiting.
6.IRI FieldShield
IRI FieldShield is the best solution for those business organizations looking for total control over the masking of their data. FieldShield is not like some tools where you will only discover pre-set parameters; instead, you can customize masking processes, thus being the best for those business organizations with specialized security demands.
It supports different masking methods, like encryption, redaction, and shuffling, so you can choose the best approach based on your requirements. It’s also highly scalable, meaning it works just as well for small businesses as it does for large enterprises.
One thing to keep in mind is the presence of some sort of learning curve due to the high level of flexibility. FieldShield will need some adaptation if you require something plug-and-play.
7.DataSunrise Database Security
DataSunrise is not only data masking – it is also an overall security solution including firewall protection, activity logging, and reporting for regulatory compliance. If you require something more than masking, this is something you can definitely consider.
What’s really significant about DataSunrise is the security level against unauthorized access. If someone even tries to access the data that’s being masked, the tool will reject them and alert security teams by default. That’s one extra level of security that can save lives when you work in industries where you require strict compliancy, such as the banking and medical industries.
Choosing the Right Data Masking Tool for Your Needs
So, which tool is best for you? That is all dependent upon your business needs. If you require something for the enterprise level, K2view or Oracle Data Masking will suffice. If you require something simple and quick, Delphix or the natively provided features for Microsoft SQL Server will work. And for the maximum customizations, you can have the complete control through IRI FieldShield.
No matter the solution you choose, the utmost consideration is the security of your sensitive data. With the right data masking solution, you can secure your data while keeping your data usable for testing, development, and analysis.
