Find how data masking can prevent RGPD fines

Find how data masking can prevent RGPD fines

GDPR fines are high and in case of default there is much more to lose than just money: reputation, good image with customers and trust by stakeholders is damaged and may even lead to the end of the business. Therefore, it is essential for companies to be able to protect their information at different stages of the data-processing process, and masking of data is increasingly becoming an alternative that companies use. In today’s article, let’s see how data masking can prevent GDPR fines!

But what is data masking?

Data masking is primarily intended to protect sensitive data against unauthorized access. In practice, data masking tools create a version similar to the original data in terms of structure but without revealing its true information. In fact, its original format remains unchanged, but the data presented are fictitious. That is, in a column of a database with bank information of the users of an online store, it is possible to mask the data by creating new bank numbers in which the figures were “mixed”, creating fictitious numbers but with the same value for the processing of the intended data. The masked data can be used in test and auditing environments, not compromising the result of the analysis, but always guaranteeing the confidentiality of the information. A manual process to protect the data consumes a lot of time and human resources so the best option is to resort to tools that do the process automatically, such as Datapeers.

How does data masking protect information and prevent fines?

Increases data security at all times

The main reason and one that should be the focus of your performance as a manager is the enhanced security of the data. With data masking you can use sensitive data in test environments and ensure that confidential information remains unabated. This masked information may be used for marketing and auditing purposes as well as for analyzes of consumer behavior and market trends. Nowadays it is very important that companies protect their data in all stages of work, since the data is generated until the moment it is released. Thus, data masking solutions allow data to be protected as long as they are being worked on in test environments until they are stored.

Time Optimization

Previously, the work of data masking had to be developed manually, which consumed many resources and many hours of work. In addition, the likelihood of human error was very high. With software that does this work, an entire system can be masked in just a few hours, as the execution time is greatly reduced. Thus, in addition to gaining advantages in terms of resource savings, there is also the advantage of ensuring that no errors occur and private data are not exposed.

Positive image with all stakeholders

By masking the data, you will convey an image of concern and responsibility for third-party data, which will please your current and future customers. With the wave of information about the need to protect data, consumers themselves are more concerned about the security of the information they share and are also much more demanding than before. If they know that your business meets all the legal requirements, they will become loyal to your brand and will pass on a positive message about you.