Mask mobile numbers in Teradata

Masking mobile numbers in Teradata can be done using string manipulation functions. Below is an example of how to implement this:

REPLACE(REPLACE(REPLACE(REPLACE(REPLACE(

SUBSTRING('XXXXXXXXXX', 1, CHARACTER_LENGTH(mobile_number)-4), '0', 'X'), '1', 'X'), '2', 'X'), '3', 'X'), '4', 'X')

|| SUBSTRING(mobile_number FROM CHARACTER_LENGTH(mobile_number)-3)

This query replaces all digits except for the last four digits with 'X'.

Example:

Let's say the original mobile number is '1234567890':

SELECT REPLACE(REPLACE(REPLACE(REPLACE(REPLACE(

SUBSTRING('1234567890', 1, CHARACTER_LENGTH('1234567890')-4), '0', 'X'), '1', 'X'), '2', 'X'), '3', 'X'), '4', 'X')

|| SUBSTRING('1234567890' FROM CHARACTER_LENGTH('1234567890')-3)

AS MaskedMobileNumber;

The result would be 'XXXXXXXX90'.

Here are few FAQs:-

1. Why should mobile numbers be masked in a database?

   - Mobile numbers can be considered sensitive information, and masking them helps protect user privacy and prevent unauthorized access.

2. Can the original mobile number be retrieved from the masked version?

   - Ideally, the masking process should be irreversible to maintain data security. Therefore, the original mobile number should not be easily retrievable from the masked version.

3. How can I ensure that masked mobile numbers remain usable for certain operations?

   - By retaining some part of the original mobile number, such as the last few digits, you can maintain the usability of the data for operations like identification or verification while still protecting sensitive information.

4. Are there any legal requirements for masking mobile numbers?

   - Depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the data being handled, there may be legal requirements or industry standards mandating the protection of personally identifiable information (PII), which includes mobile numbers.

5. Can I customize the masking format for mobile numbers?

   - Yes, the provided query can be customized to accommodate different masking formats or variations in mobile number structures. You can modify the query logic accordingly to meet your needs and ensure that sensitive information is adequately protected.