Difference Between Data Encryption and Data Masking
Last Updated :
08 Oct, 2024
Protecting private data has become compulsory for businesses. It is not just about following privacy laws. It is also about earning and keeping customers' trust. Two common methods to keep safe information are data encryption and data masking. While both try to keep data safe, they do it in different ways. they use different techniques. By understanding these methods, organizations can choose the best way to protect their valuable information. This knowledge can help avoid data breaches and make sure personal information stays safe, finally saving time and resources.
What is Data Encryption?
Data encryption is converting easy-to-read data into a coded format that can only be read by someone with the right key or password. For example, when you send a message using encryption, only the person with the key can read it.
Advantages of Data Encryption
- It keeps data safe from access without permission.
- It helps organizations meet legal requirements for data protection.
- In data encryption, ensure the data has not been changed while it is being sent.
Disadvantages of Data Encryption
- In data encryption ready encryption can be complex.
- It can delay systems because of the extra processing required.
- Losing the encryption key in data encryption can mean losing access to the data.
What is Data Masking?
Data masking is the process of hiding awareness of information by replacing it with fake data. For example, in a database, real names might be replaced with fake names, so the information stays useful but not known.
Advantages of Data Masking
- Protects awareness of information while allowing data to be used for testing or analysis.
- It is easy to implement compared to encryption.
- Generally does not slow down systems as much as encryption.
Disadvantages of Data Masking
- The hidden data can sometimes be reverse-engineered.
- Data may not be useful if it is too heading
- head data is not secure for sending over networks.
Difference Between Data Encryption and Data Masking
Feature | Data Encryption | Data Masking |
|---|
Purpose | Secures data by making it Hard to read. | Hides aware of data with fake information |
Readability | Unreadable without the correct encryption key. | Continues usable for analysis or testing but does not show original data. |
Data Utility | Original data needed | Useful for testing, but may be less proper |
Reversibility | Reversible if you have the encryption key and original data can be restored. | Not reversible and once data is masked, the original data cannot be recovered. |
Training Required | Requires training on encryption | Minimal training needed |
Complexity | More complex to set up | Easy to implement |
Example | Encrypting credit card information before transmission online. | Masking social security numbers in a database used for software testing. |
Conclusion
Data encryption and data masking are important tools for keeping information safe. Encryption is great for protecting data while it is being sent, and masking is useful for keeping data safe during testing. By knowing the differences, businesses can pick the right method for their needs. Using both methods together can provide even better protection for sensitive information. This combination helps make sure that data stays confidential and reduces the risk of without permission access. So, businesses can operate with greater confidence and security.
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