Secure Lookup is the most commonly used type of algorithm. It is easy to generate and works with different languages. When this algorithm replaces real, sensitive data with fictional data, it is possible that it will create repeating data patterns, known as "collisions". For example, the names "Tom" and "Peter" could both be masked as "Matt". Because names and addresses naturally recur in real data, this mimics an actual data set. However, if you want the Masking Engine to mask all data into unique outputs, you should use Character Mapping.
This also includes a built in Extensible Secure Lookup Algorithm Framework. The new framework uses SHA256 hashing method and allows case configurations for input and output (i.e. masked) values.
Configuration options
When creating an algorithm using the Secure lookup framework, configure the following options.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Hash method |
Determines how input values are mapped to lookup file entries.
|
| Lookup file |
This file is a single list of values that does not require a header, every line of the Lookup File might be used as a masked value. The Lookup File must be ASCII or UTF-8 encoding compatible. The lookup file can be referenced locally or with a specified/uploaded URI. The following is sample file content: Smallville Clarkville Farmville Townville Cityname Citytown Towneaster |
| Case sensitive lookup |
Determines whether input case differences affect the lookup result. If the Case Sensitive Lookup box is marked then the same input of different cases will be masked to the different values. For example: Peter -> John peter -> Andrew If that setting is not marked (which is a default option), then the lookup would be case insensitive, for example: Peter -> John peter -> John |
| Trim whitespace in lookup file |
Removes leading and trailing whitespace from values in the lookup file. The handling of whitespace should be carefully considered. By default, leading and trailing whitespace is preserved and will be passed back into the data around the new masked string. The following options are available:
Please note that the options selected could cause the following problems if not carefully considered:
|
| Output (masked) case |
Controls how the case of masked values is formatted. It has the following options:
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Since the RANDOMIZE hash method chooses a random replacement value every time, this does not maintain referential integrity and should never be used in cases where referential integrity is required. This is however useful in certain cases where masked values need to reflect a statistical distribution (ex: genders, model a population distribution, etc.)
Create an algorithm using this framework
To create an algorithm using this framework, follow the steps in Create an algorithm and select Secure Lookup during the Configuration step.