Mask PAN (Permanent Account Number) in Teradata

Masking PAN (Permanent Account Number) in Teradata can be achieved using string manipulation functions. Below is an example of how to implement this:

SELECT 

    CASE 

        WHEN LENGTH(pan_number) = 16 THEN SUBSTRING(pan_number FROM 1 FOR 12) || 'XXXX'

        WHEN LENGTH(pan_number) = 15 THEN SUBSTRING(pan_number FROM 1 FOR 11) || 'X' || SUBSTRING(pan_number FROM 13 FOR 3)

        ELSE 'Invalid PAN Number'

    END AS masked_pan

FROM 

    your_table;

This query masks PAN numbers by replacing all digits except the last four digits with 'X'.

Example:

Let's say the original PAN number is '1234567890123456':

SELECT 

    CASE 

        WHEN LENGTH('1234567890123456') = 16 THEN SUBSTRING('1234567890123456' FROM 1 FOR 12) || 'XXXX'

        WHEN LENGTH('1234567890123456') = 15 THEN SUBSTRING('1234567890123456' FROM 1 FOR 11) || 'X' || SUBSTRING('1234567890123456' FROM 13 FOR 3)

        ELSE 'Invalid PAN Number'

    END AS masked_pan;

The result would be '123456XXXXXX3456'.

Here are few FAQs:-

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

   - PAN numbers are sensitive information that, if exposed, can lead to identity theft or financial fraud. Masking them helps protect individuals' financial data and ensures privacy.

2. 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 easily retrievable from the masked version.

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

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

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