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CISA Practice Question: Is implementing a data masking solution for a…
An organization is implementing a data masking solution for a non-production database. Which of the following is the MOST important requirement?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse data masking with encryption or hashing, assuming irreversibility or encryption are the top priorities, but the CISA exam emphasizes that the primary goal in a non-production environment is usability and data integrity, not cryptographic security.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Masked data should maintain referential integrity.
In a non-production database, data masking must preserve referential integrity to ensure that relationships between tables (e.g., foreign keys) remain valid after masking. Without referential integrity, application logic that relies on these relationships would break, making the non-production environment unusable for testing or development. This is the most critical requirement because masked data must still function correctly within the database schema.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Masked data should maintain referential integrity.
Why this is correct
Maintaining referential integrity ensures application functionality.
- ✗
Masked data should be encrypted.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption is not a requirement of masking.
- ✗
Masked data should be irreversible.
Why it's wrong here
Irreversibility is not always required; sometimes reversible masking is needed.
- ✗
Masked data should be randomized across all columns.
Why it's wrong here
Randomization may break relationships.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CISA practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CISA exam.