Data Masking using Page and Field Configurator - Part 1

In the one of the previous posts we saw how to mask data for sensitive fields in PeopleSoft . One drawback of the feature is PeopleSoft only delivers the data masking functionality for a limited number of fields. If a HR Administrator wants to mask fields which is not delivered by Data Masking module, they can use the Page and Field Configurator to mask data for such fields. In today's post we will discuss how mask fields using Page and Field Configurator. The functionality requires People Tools version 8.57.11 or higher.

What is Page and Field Configurator ?

Page and Field Configurator is a configurable framework which gives the user ability to make certain changes to fields on the page like modifying labels, hiding fields ,setting default value for the field . All the changes can be done through PIA without using Application Designer.

1) Steps for using Page and Field Configurator for Data Masking

If you are currently using the Data Masking functionality in PeopleSoft ,ensure the Data Masking option is turned off on Installation table .On the HCM Options page uncheck the Enable Masking check box.

Navigation : Setup HCM > Installation Table > HCM Options

2)  Define & Configure Mask Profile

PeopleSoft delivers Mask Profile which can be used to Define Mask Profile for the field for which Data has to be masked.  Use the Define Data Mask Profile page to setup data masking profile. You can setup four types of Mask Profile .Oracle delivers Mask Profile of each type . Mentioned below are the mask profile as delivered.

• Complete Masking.

• Trailing Character Type Masking (Partial Masking).

• Date Type Masking.

• Setup Table Based Masking.

As of now 'X' and '*' are the supported masking characters by PeopleSoft.

Navigation : Enterprise Components > Page and Field Configuration > Define Mask Profile

Complete Masking

The field will be completely masked and no data will be visible . Ex- An SSN 145-31-1197 will appear as XXX-XX-XXXX .

Trailing Character Type Masking

Trailing characters on the field will be masked based on the configuration selected. You can configure the number of characters you want to make visible . Ex- An SSN 145-31-1197 will appear as XXX-XX-1197. 

Date Type Masking

Trailing characters on the field will be masked based on the configuration selected. You can configure what portion of the Date, Month or Year has to be masked.

Setup Table Based Masking

Use this masking profile to mask data from a defined setup table that has the masking format defined in it. For ex - This allows you to mask one field (NATIONAL_ID) which appears on multiple tables all in one place with the same mask format using the Mask Format Field. 

3)  Define Field Groups for Masking 

Use the Define Field Group page to assign default masking profile to similar fields so that they appear masked in uniform fashion all through the application. This is an optional configuration but helps to standardize the format for similar fields.

Navigation : Enterprise Components > Page and Field Configuration > Define Field Group

This completes the Part 1 of the pre requisition configuration. In the Part 2 we will see how to use Page and Field Configurator to do Data Masking… (To be continued)