Safeguarding confidential information has become more important now than ever. You might be a business handling client information or an individual who wants to keep personal information confidential – data anonymization software helps your information remain confidential and untraceable. With this software, you can share information, analyze it and save it without compromising on data breaches.
But with so many options available out there, how do you determine which ones to use? Here are the best data masking tools to use in order to safeguard your information and yet make it valuable.
1. K2view
K2view is a top data masking solution, specifically for businesses dealing with huge amounts of confidential data. Most solutions mask or encrypt data in some form, but K2view takes it a step further by anonymizing data in real-time.
It is K2view’s Data Product Platform that differentiates it by organizing data into “micro-databases” for each individual or entity. This innovative technique keeps data in a valuable and structured format and simplifies the application of anonymization rules.
Several methods to enable privacy are supported by K2view including tokenization, data masking, and encryption to fulfill strict standards such as GDPR and CCPA. It’s most popular with companies in industries such as healthcare and finance because it’s simple to integrate with existing IT systems.
One of K2view’s major benefits is its speed. Because it anonymizes information in real-time, businesses are able to use real-time analytics without exposing themselves in the process. Sure, it’s not the most budget-friendly solution out there, but if you’re looking for an enterprise-grade anonymization platform with a strong security and performance focus, K2view is a great choice.
2. ARX Data Anonymization Tool
One of the strongest open-source masking tools available, ARX enables companies and researchers to anonymize big data and preserve its use for analytical purposes.
The software offers different methods of anonymization including k-anonymity, l-diversity, and t-closeness in order to prevent tracing data to specific individuals. One of its strongest points is its user-friendly interface, making it simple to use for non-technical individuals as well.
Since ARX is free, it’s a great option for organizations requiring dependable data protection at a low cost.
3. Aircloak Insights
Aircloak Insights is appropriate for businesses with a need for real-time data masking. It does not just scramble data as traditional data masking software does but ensures no one can reverse-engineer it because it provides an extremely high level of security.
It is most valuable for health care organizations, finance firms, and other organizations handling confidential user information. Through accurate analytics and protecting anonymity, Aircloak helps businesses make data-based informed decisions without sacrificing user information.
4. sdcMicro
When dealing with statistical data, the most suitable masking software to use will most likely be sdcMicro. Designed specifically for statistical disclosure control, this software allows confidential data to be protected and yet allows meaningful analysis to be carried out on it.
sdcMicro is highly configurable and provides various methods of anonymization. It’s an R package, however, so you’ll need some coding know-how to use it at its best. Once you’re comfortable with it, however, it’s a very valuable tool for safeguarding confidential information.
5. Amnesia
Amnesia, a free data masking tool produced by the European Union for use by individuals and business entities, makes data sharing easier without releasing confidential information.
One of Amnesia’s strongest features is its in-built generalization function, in which individual information (e.g., exact birth dates) are replaced by broad categories (e.g., age brackets). This protects individual identities but allows for useful data analysis. It’s simple to use as well, making it a great option for first-time users of data anonymization.
6. Privitar
Privitar is an enterprise platform for anonymization used by leading companies to protect consumer data but facilitate in-depth analysis. Privitar is different in the sense that its privacy policies oversee the process of anonymization in such a way as to enable businesses to strike the best balance between security and useability.
Privitar is most useful for businesses handling big data because it integrates seamlessly with cloud-based systems and enterprise-scale data processing systems. If your business needs a robust anonymization solution, Privitar might be something to consider.
7. DataVeil
If you require a database-focused masking solution, DataVeil is an excellent option. It targets protecting confidential information in structured databases in such a way that sensitive information like names, addresses, and credit card numbers are masked securely.
DataVeil is designed to work with SQL databases and as such is a very suitable choice for businesses with a need to anonymise customer data but maintain realistic test systems. DataVeil is simple to use as opposed to some other products with complex installations.
Key Takeaways
As data breaches become ever more common, keeping business and personal information out of prying eyes has never been so important as it is today. Data masking tools ensure your confidential data remains private but allow you to analyze and share information as needed.
If you need an enterprise-grade solution with real-time anonymization, then K2view leads the list. For a simple and free solution, ARX or Amnesia are great alternatives. For users who work with databases, DataVeil is a great option, and statisticians will enjoy the use of sdcMicro. For enterprise-grade companies needing privacy solutions, Privitar and Aircloak are great security options.
No matter what tool you employ, the point remains—investing in data masking is a prudent move in this age of digitization.
