ApexSQL Mask is a tool that masks sensitive SQL Server data. This database masking tool offers two types of rules for mask SQL Server data:
The Row level of masking allows users to mask a particular row or selection of rows in the targeted column, further in the article will be explained this option.
By starting the application, the Connect to SQL Server window will appear. In the Connection to SQL Server window the SQL Server, type of Authentication, and a Database is needed to be set. When all is set, click on the Connect button:
The main window of ApexSQL Mask will appear, where the automatically classified columns will be presented by default in the grid panel on the left side of the primary window:
Besides automatically classified columns, the ApexSQL Mask provides the possibility to mask SQL Server data from the whole selected database. To choose any column from the selected database, in the Home tab, click on the All columns button:
For this article the LastName column from the Person. Person table will be chosen. By checking the LastName column, the red dot will appear in the front the name of the column, and on that selected column can be applied already created or newly created mask:
When the column is selected, to create a new mask in the Home tab, click on the Manage button:
The Manage masks window will open. By default, the Substitution mask is selected. Click on the New button to start the creation of a new substitution mask:
The Create substitution mask window will be shown. By default, the Column radio button is checked.
If there is need to mask special row or to exclude some rows from masks, those can be done by checking the Row radio button in the Level section:
The Change target column dialog will appear, with all classified columns. Choose the columns from the Available grid, in this case, the LastName column and click on the OK button:
It will back to the Create substitution window, where for the Row level masking the following should be set:
Preview grid – shows the row’s data from the selected source column
Find values – shows the pattern that will be created with Wildcard editor. That pattern will be used for finding the specific row or rows in the source column. The Wildcard editor dialog will be opened by click on the ellipse button next to the Combo box:
Wildcard editor – dialog in which can be added pattern for searching row in the source column. By using specific characters that can be found in the Syntax drop-down list, will be made a pattern for searching. A list of characters represents any single character syntax with seven number pattern [7] will be used for searching a row in this article. Click OK:
For this article will be used the Specific value generator. The Value option will be checked and that value will be REPLACE:
When all options above are set, click the OK button:
The Manage masks window with the newly created mask will appear. Click the OK button to close the Manage mask window :
In the grid panel will be presented classified columns along with the LastName column in the Person. Person table. When clicking on the LastName column, in the Preview window the seventh row will be masked with the REPLACE value while other values will not be masked.
© 2024 Quest Software Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Terms of Use Privacy Cookie Preference Center