Mask PAN (Permanent Account Number) in MSSQL

Masking PAN (Permanent Account Number) in MSSQL can be done similarly to masking mobile numbers. Here's an example of a function to mask PAN numbers:

CREATE FUNCTION dbo.MaskPAN (@panNumber VARCHAR(20))

RETURNS VARCHAR(20)

AS

BEGIN

    DECLARE @maskedPAN VARCHAR(20)

    IF LEN(@panNumber) = 16

        SET @maskedPAN = 'XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-' + RIGHT(@panNumber, 4)

    ELSE IF LEN(@panNumber) = 15

        SET @maskedPAN = 'XXXX-XXXXXX-X' + RIGHT(@panNumber, 1)

    ELSE

        SET @maskedPAN = 'Invalid PAN Number'

    RETURN @maskedPAN

END;

Usage:

SELECT dbo.MaskPAN('1234 5678 9012 3456') AS MaskedPAN;

This will output XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-3456.

Here are few FAQs:-

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

   - PAN numbers are sensitive information that can be used for identity theft or fraud. Masking them helps protect the privacy and security of individuals' financial data.

2. Is it necessary to mask PAN numbers even in a secure database environment?

   - Yes, masking PAN numbers adds an extra layer of security, even in secure database environments. It reduces the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information.

3. Can the original PAN number be retrieved from the masked version?

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

4. Are there any legal or compliance requirements for masking PAN numbers?

   - Yes, various regulations such as PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) mandate the protection of sensitive cardholder data, including PAN numbers. Masking PAN numbers helps organizations comply with these regulations.

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

   - Yes, the provided function can be customized to accommodate different formatting preferences or variations in PAN number structures. You can modify the function logic accordingly to meet your needs, ensuring that sensitive information is adequately protected.