Masks

Masks are patterns of symbols or characters that can be applied to obfuscate the content of a field. Masks can obfuscate data completely or partially. For example, a partial mask might display the last four digits of a credit card number on a grocery store receipt, while masking the first twelve digits.

You can combine Masks with Data Elements. In this scenario, Masks are applied during presentation to the end-user, after the data has been unprotected. You can also apply Masks on their own, through a Masking Data Element.

You can create, view, and manage Masks by navigating to Policy Management from the main menu, and choosing Data Elements & Masks.

For more information about the properties and behavior of Masks, refer to the section Masking.

Creating Masks

To add a new Data Element:

1. On the ESA Web UI, navigate to Policy Management > Data Elements & Masks > Masks.

   The Masks tab appears by default.

2. Click Add New Mask.

   The New Mask screen appears.

3. Specify the following common properties for the Mask:

   Property	Description
   Name	Unique name to identify the mask.
   Description	Text describing the mask.
   Mask Template	A pre-defined mask template to use. For detailed characteristics of each Mask Template, refer to the section Masking.
   Mask Options	Detailed characteristics of how a mask is applied on data.
   From Left / From Right	The number of characters from left and right for additional configuration.
   Mask mode	Mask or clear the characters specified in the From Left / From Right property.
   Mask character	The character used for masking.
   Sample Output	Mask simulation based on mask options.

4. Click Save.

Managing Masks

Masks can be fully modified after they have been created.

To modify a Mask:

1. On the ESA Web UI, navigate to Policy Management > Data Elements & Masks > Masks.

   The Masks tab appears.

2. Click the name of the Mask that you want to modify from the list.

   A screen appears displaying the Mask details.

3. Edit the required details.

4. Click Save.

   A message Mask has been updated successfully appears.

Deleting Masks

To remove a Mask:

1. On the ESA Web UI, navigate to Policy Management > Data Elements & Masks > Masks.

   The Masks tab appears.

2. Select the name of the Mask from the list, and click the Delete action.

   A confirmation dialog box appears.

3. Click OK.

   A message Mask has been deleted successfully appears.