What is the purpose of data masking before aggregation?

Data masking before aggregation serves primarily to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data. This practice involves altering sensitive information so that it is obscured while still remaining usable for analysis or reporting. By masking data, organizations can share datasets for analytical purposes without exposing personally identifiable information (PII) or confidential corporate data. This is especially important in compliance with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA, which require strict handling of sensitive information.

When data is aggregated, sensitive details might otherwise be exposed, increasing the risk of data breaches. By implementing data masking techniques, organizations ensure that even if data is aggregated and shared, it does not compromise individual privacy or security.

While other options touch on various aspects of data handling, they do not capture the primary purpose of data masking before aggregation, which is fundamentally about reducing risk to sensitive information.