Character Substitution
Last updated
Last updated
Performs a random character replacement that preserves formatting (spaces, capitalization, and punctuation).
Characters are replaced with other characters from within the same Unicode Block. A given source character is always mapped to the same destination character. For example, M might always map to V.
For example, for the following input string:
Miami Store #162
The output would be something like:
Vgkjg Gmlvf #681
Note that for a numeric column, when a generated number starts with a 0, the starting 0 is removed. This could result in matching output values in different columns. For example, one column is changed to 113 and the other to 0113, which also becomes 113.
Character Substitution is similar to Character Scramble, with a couple of key differences. Because Character Substitution always maps the same source character to the same destination character, it is always consistent. It also can be used for unique columns.
In Character Scramble, the character mapping is random, which makes Character Scramble slightly more secure. However, Character Scramble cannot be used for unique columns.
If Structural data encryption is enabled, then to use it for this column, toggle Use data encryption process to the on position.
Consistency
This generator is implicitly self-consistent. You do not specify whether the generator is consistent. Every occurrence of a character always maps to the same substitute character. Because of this, it can be used to preserve a join between two text columns, such as a join on a name or email.
Linking
No, cannot be linked.
Differential privacy
No
Data-free
No
Allowed for primary keys
No
Allowed for unique columns
Yes
Uses format-preserving encryption (FPE)
No
Privacy ranking
4
Generator ID (for the API)