Step 2 - Define maskings

The second step of designing a Data masking plan is assigning values to columns selected in Step 1, which will define how masking will be done.

Selecting a Table to mask

A list of loaded Tables for each Data source is located on the left. The Search field, above the list of tables, can be used to search for a specific table.

The right side of the screen displays a list of loaded Columns when a certain Table is selected.

Figure 1: Step 2 - Selecting a table to mask

Column details

Column details can be opened by selecting the arrow buttons next to the column name. It will show:

1. Primary key - indicates whether the selected Column is a Primary key.
2. Is nullable - indicates whether the selected Column is nullable.
3. Database type - indicates to which type of database the selected Column belongs to.
4. CLR type - indicates to which Common Language Runtime type is Column type mapped to.

Figure 2: Step 2 - Column details

Assigning values

A Masking category and a Masking value must be defined for each of the loaded Columns.

Possible Masking categories are:

1. Generator outputs (basic)

2. Constants

3. Function

Figure 3: Assigning values

Generator outputs (basic)

Generator outputs are values that are generated using Add-on generators.

If "Generator outputs - basic" is selected as Masking category, "Generator details" button is enabled for that row. By clicking on it, a pop-up window for configuring Generator details is displayed. The user can define:

1. Is repeatable - if repeater will be used for that Generator. Options:

   • Yes - Repeaters will be used. Additional fields for defining Repeater keys are displayed next to each Generator input. The user defines what inputs will be used as Repeater keys by clicking on 'YES' next to the input they want to use as Repeater key.
   • No - Repeaters will not be used.

2. Details about the Generator - the user can additionally configure what values will be used as input values for Generator.

   • Generator input - automatically displays name and type of Generator input. Read-only.

   • Input category - possible options are:

     • Ignore input - Generator will not use any specific input while generating data
     • Constants - Generator input will be set to predefined value that cannot be changed during execution.
     • Function - Generator input will be calculated using this function.
     • Table columns - Table column value will be forwarded to Generator as input.

   • Input value - specifies value that will be used as input value when generating data:

     • if Constants was chosen - available options are Null and Empty string
     • if Function was chosen - the user can provide custom code into the input field. If simple string constant is provided it should be enclosed inside double quotes (" "). Numbers or dates don't have to be enclosed.
     • if Table columns was chosen - available options are all columns of the currently selected Table. Generator will use values from that Column as input when generating data.

Figure 4: Generator details

Constants

Constants can be used as Masking category.

Possible Masking values for that Masking category are:

1. Null

2. Empty string.

Function

If no predefined Masking values or categories fulfill wanted behaviour, the user can choose 'Function' Masking category which allows them to provide custom C# code, or custom values (string).

If simple string constant is provided it should be enclosed inside double quotes (" "). Numbers or dates don't have to be enclosed.

Examples:

    GeneratorOutputs [FirstNameGenerator][Name]
    "John Doe" (string input)
    20 (number input)
    01.01.2000 (date input)

Continuing to the next step

Assignments for all columns of each table need to be defined for user to be able to continue to the next step of the Wizard (Step 3 - Repeater and Restartability stores). The 'Next step' button will be disabled until all Columns have assigned Masking value.

To cancel the process of designing a data masking plan, the user can click on the 'Cancel' button at any time.