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RRI Announces the Launch of FieldShield Version 6

In a significant stride for data privacy management, Innovative Routines International (IRI), Inc., a veteran at 46 years old in the field of big data management and data-centric security software, has launched a major update to their renowned FieldShield data masking tool. Version 6, which debuted on December 16, 2024, introduces notable enhancements aimed at masking personally identifiable information (PII) across a variety of structured data sources, both in cloud-based environments and on-premises.

FieldShield has a rich history dating back to its first introduction in 2011 as one of the world's pioneering data masking tools, primarily designed to manage sensitive data in flat files and relational databases. The adaptation and widespread implementation of FieldShield across sectors such as finance, healthcare, and governmental bodies clearly illustrate its importance, particularly due to its capability to maintain referential integrity and support custom logic in data masking jobs and testing environments.

Key Features of FieldShield Version 6

The latest iteration of FieldShield significantly expands upon the features introduced in Version 5, officially launched at the end of 2020. Among the key new functionalities are:

1. Expanded Support for Data Sources: Version 6 broadens compatibility to include not only JDBC and ODBC linked relational databases and local flat files but also enhances cloud capabilities. Now supporting ASN.1-encoded CDR files at telecommunications sites through the OSS Nokalva runtime, and flat files stored in Amazon S3, Azure Blob, and Google Cloud Platform.

2. Modernized Data Classification and Discovery: A revamped data classification infrastructure embedded within the IRI Workbench GUI allows users to create global and project-specific data class groupings, addressing various privacy laws and sensitivity labels. The update simplifies sensitive data discovery, with additional features like out-of-the-box search matchers and reusable masking rules, facilitating compliance with regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR.

3. DarkShield API Integration: For handling semi-structured and unstructured text within relational databases, it is now feasible to incorporate column-level DarkShield functions into FieldShield jobs. This feature identifies PII while applying consistent masking rules across data classes.

4. Improved PII Discovery Dashboard: The release includes an enhanced dashboard featuring HTML5 charts, detailing the data source alongside classes of defined PII. Users can view metrics surrounding job duration, contributing to better monitoring and management of data masking operations.

5. Expanded Built-in Masking Rules: In FieldShield V6, new multi-source methods have been introduced, which include enriched email address generators, nested functions that streamline string manipulations, and numeric manipulation techniques, making masking tasks more efficient.

David Friedland, Senior Vice President at IRI, expressed that FieldShield 6, along with the comprehensive Voracity data management platform, continues to deliver a powerful tool for CISOs, DPOs, DBAs, and DevOps personnel. The software is designed to address the critical needs of preventing data breaches, ensuring compliance with stringent data privacy laws, and providing sophisticated options for test data.

Conclusion

The launch of FieldShield Version 6 exemplifies IRI's commitment to evolving data privacy solutions in an increasingly complex digital landscape. By expanding upon existing capabilities and introducing new features, IRI solidifies its position as a leading provider of data-centric security software. Organizations prioritizing privacy can leverage these advancements to enhance their data protection strategies effectively.

For further inquiries or demonstrations of the FieldShield tool, professionals are encouraged to reach out to Alyssa Ardhya at IRI under the provided contact details.