IBM Masks Critical Data

August 27, 2007: In an effort to bring another layer of security to critical business data, IBM has unveiled a new data masking solution that it says obscures sensitive information while retaining its usability.

Data Masking works by identifying sensitive data and overlaying it with values that "mask" it from view without compromising application functional. Traditionally this process has been handled manually, but as larger firms are now often using hundreds of integrated applications IBM believes this is an area ripe for streamlining.

The company claims its software transforms data so that no sensitive information is exposed while allowing internal and external developers to perform software product design, development, testing and quality assurance.

IBM points out that companies that work with external software developers but lack data masking technology are risking misuse or theft of their critical assets. A claim made more potent by looking at a 2006 report by Forrester Research, “Protecting Private Data with Data Masking,” which claims that by 2010 only 35 percent of corporations will be using data masking, and even then it will only be for testing purposes.

IBM says its Data Masking solution brings together its Information on Demand Services with its Information Server data integration software platform, and the data masking algorithms developed by its software development labs enabling companies to “take advantage of internal and external talent and resources available around the world, and enhance the security and privacy of critical data,” according to Martin Marut, a partner at IBM Global Business Services.

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