Masking operations are conducted using the Data Masker software to select the tables and columns on which to perform various masking operations (substitution, shuffle, insertion, encryption etc). Once the Data Masker has been configured, the Run Masking Set button can be pressed to execute the masking rules and the data will be transformed.

Having configured a masking operation, it is highly probable that you will wish to save the settings so that they can be loaded at a later time and the masking actions re-applied as often as required. The collection of saved masking information (schema names, table structure information and masking rules) is called a Masking Set and is stored on disk as a series standard text files. The layout and storage mechanism of the Masking Set files offers a considerable amount of flexibility to help cope with changes and variations in the target database configuration. Please see the Masking Set Reference for more information on the function of each file in a Masking Set and how it is used.

The Data Masker application provides a simple and easy way to build and maintain Masking Sets. You should really do all modifications to the Masking Set using the provided tools.

Yes, the Masking Set files are user editable. Manually changing a Masking Set is inadvisable because of its complexity - the Data Masker application is the recommended solution. We recognize however, that situations may arise where a quick search and replace on the set file may save hours of work. So, if it really is necessary to manually edit the set file then please do have a look at the Masking Set Reference to find out what all of the fields mean before starting.