Choosing the right data masking software can be overwhelming with so many options available. Gartner Peer Insights lists over 20 vendors in the data masking category alone, and making sense of these reviews to make an informed decision can be challenging.

In this guide, we simplify the process by examining the top data masking tools based on Gartner’s two ranking criteria: the highest average rating and the highest number of reviews. Let’s explore these metrics as of August 2024 to help you choose the best tool for your organization’s needs.

Best Data Masking Tools based on Number of Reviews:

The number of reviews reflects the tool’s market presence and adoption. A high number of reviews suggests that the tool is widely used and trusted by many users. This metric is useful if you want a tool that has proven its reliability in a large user base.

Top Rated by Users: SQL Server Data Masking Tool

So why is Microsoft SQL Server on top?

Your PII-containing data is critical for accurate testing, development, and analytics. However; it is dangerous to move this data out of secure environments. How do you leverage your data, while protecting your PII? Static data masking is one such option, especially if you select a platform that preserves your data integrity and has referential integrity.

Built-In Tool:

SQL Server’s data masking tool benefits from numerous reviews due to its extensive user base. Since SQL Server includes dynamic data masking as a built-in feature, it is widely utilized by SQL Server users, contributing to its high review count

Ideal for Dynamic Data Masking for SQL Server Databases

• SQL Server Masking Only: Suitable for organizations that only need to mask data within SQL Server, and do not need enterprise-wide referential integrity
• Multiple Tools: Ideal for companies who want to use native masking tools for SQL Server, rather than a universal tool
• Dynamic Masking Tool for SQL Server: SQL Server’s built-in masking functionality only includes dynamic masking, which is suitable for production environments and real-time applications with role-based access control.

Best Data Masking Tool based on Highest Average Rating

The average rating reflects how well users rate the tool in terms of performance, usability, and overall satisfaction. A high average rating indicates that users are generally pleased with the tool’s effectiveness and ease of use. This metric is crucial for organizations seeking reliable, high-performance data masking solutions that consistently meet user expectations. Typically top vendors that appear here might not have a huge number of ratings, because they are either newer to the market or are ideal for specific types of organizations or use cases.

The Problem: Anonymizing PII for testing & Dev

Your PII-containing data is critical for accurate testing, development, and analytics. However; it is dangerous to move this data out of secure environments. How do you leverage your data, while protecting your PII? Static data masking is one such option, especially if you select a platform that preserves your data integrity and has referential integrity.

Example:

Your development team is working on a new customer service application that requires realistic data for testing. The data needs to mimic real user interactions to be useful, but exposing actual customer details is not an option. Manually masking data while preserving its usability, such as maintaining relationships between different data fields, is complex and time-consuming.

Top Rated by Users: Accutive Security ADM Masking Platform

So why is the ADM platform on the top?

• User Satisfaction: The ADM Platform receives top ratings for its Performance and Reliability
• Versatile Application: It supports a wide array of databases, making it a flexible choice for various environments.
• User-Friendly Interface: The tool’s ease of use and robust support make it ideal for teams needing a dependable solution without extensive training.

Ideal For Static Data Masking in a Multi-Database environment

• Organizations Handling Sensitive Data: If your organization manages highly secure or regulated data, ADM offers robust protection and compliance features.
• Small to Medium-Sized Teams: Suitable for teams looking for high-quality data masking that is easy to implement and manage.
• Test Data Management: As a static data masking tool, ADM is ideal for irreversible data masking for use cases such as generating secure usable test data, analytics, and any movement of sensitive data into non-secure environments.
• Multiple Databases: If you are working across multiple databases, e.g. SQL Server and Oracle, a data masking solution with enterprise-wide referential integrity and broad compatibility is necessary.
• Complex Database Environments: Perfect for environments with intricate data structures needing detailed and effective masking solutions.

Other Highly-Rated Data Masking Solutions

• Oracle Enterprise Manager (4.4/5): Oracle Database’s Data Masking and Subsetting package that is available for an additional subscription with Oracle Enterprise Manager.
• OpenText Voltage SecureData (4.4/5): Enterprise-grade data security platform that features encryption, masking, and tokenization.
• Oracle DataSafe (4.7/5): Oracle’s cloud-based data masking solution.

Which Tool Should You Choose Based on Your Specific Needs?

Accutive Security ADM Platform for Static Data Masking for multiple databases

If user satisfaction and overall performance are your primary concerns, ADM is a top choice. Its high average rating signifies its effectiveness and user-friendly design, making it ideal for organizations with diverse and complex data environments.

SQL Server Data Masking Tool for dynamic masking for SQL Server

For those who value widespread adoption and proven market presence, the SQL Server data masking tool stands out. Its high number of reviews indicates that it is a trusted choice for dynamic data masking among users of SQL Server, making it suitable for organizations that exclusively use this database system.

Interpretation and Final Recommendations

While the Microsoft SQL Server Data Masking Tool has the highest number of reviews, it might not be suitable for someone looking for a universal masking tool that works across all types of databases. Additionally, Microsoft SQL Server only provides dynamic data masking, which is not ideal for a number of key use cases. Microsoft SQL Server had previously released a beta of a static data masking solution; however, this did not make the final release and is no longer available.

For users with multiple databases who need static data masking that is irreversible for development, testing, and analytics – Microsoft SQL Server is not a viable option. Accutive Data Discovery and Data Masking (ADM) Platform is recognized as a hidden gem among the crowded field of data masking solutions, by offering enterprise-grade features at an affordable price point.

Click here to see the tiers and pricing for ADM, or to schedule your custom demo. For detailed insights on data masking tools and to explore your options, visit ADM Platform.

The post How to Choose the Best Data Masking Software Based on Gartner Peer Insights first appeared on Accutive Security.

*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from Articles - Accutive Security authored by Accutive Security. Read the original post at: https://accutivesecurity.com/how-to-choose-the-best-data-masking-software-based-on-gartner-peer-insights/