Quick Answer
The answer is tokenization and data masking. Tokenization is a valid data de-identification technique because it replaces sensitive data elements with non-sensitive, randomly generated tokens that have no exploitable mathematical relationship to the original values, making reversal impossible without access to a separate mapping system. Data masking is also correct, as it irreversibly obscures specific values—such as replacing real credit card numbers with fictional ones—while preserving the data format for testing or analytics, ensuring the data is no longer personally identifiable. On the CISSP exam, this question tests your understanding of the Domain 2 (Asset Security) concept of de-identification, where a common trap is confusing encryption (which is reversible with a key) with masking or tokenization (which are irreversible). A useful memory tip is to remember that both masking and tokenization “break the link” permanently, whereas encryption only “hides the link” temporarily.
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of asset security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO of the following are valid data de-identification techniques?
Encryption
Why wrong: Encryption can be reversed with the key, so it's not de-identification.
Access control
Why wrong: Access control limits who can see data but does not de-identify.
Data masking
Masking obscures sensitive data, often permanently.
Backup
Why wrong: Backup creates copies; it does not de-identify.
Tokenization
Tokenization replaces sensitive data with non-sensitive tokens.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Data masking
Data masking is a valid de-identification technique because it irreversibly obscures specific data values, such as replacing real credit card numbers with fictional ones, while preserving the data format for testing or analytics. Unlike encryption, masking does not allow reversal to the original value, ensuring the data is no longer personally identifiable. It is commonly used in non-production environments to protect sensitive information.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Encryption
Why it's wrong here
Encryption can be reversed with the key, so it's not de-identification.
Access control
Why it's wrong here
Access control limits who can see data but does not de-identify.
Data masking
Why this is correct
Masking obscures sensitive data, often permanently.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Backup
Why it's wrong here
Backup creates copies; it does not de-identify.
Tokenization
Why this is correct
Tokenization replaces sensitive data with non-sensitive tokens.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse encryption with de-identification, but encryption is reversible and does not permanently remove the link to the individual, whereas de-identification techniques like masking and tokenization are designed to be irreversible or non-reversible in the context of the original data.
Detailed technical explanation
Data masking techniques include substitution (e.g., replacing a real name with a random name from a lookup table), shuffling (e.g., randomly reordering values within a column), and number/variance masking (e.g., adding a random offset to a date). A subtle behavior is that deterministic masking (using the same mask for the same input) can preserve referential integrity across tables, but if the masking algorithm is weak or the lookup table is exposed, re-identification may be possible. In real-world scenarios, dynamic data masking in SQL Server can apply masking rules at query time without altering the stored data, but this is a form of access control, not true de-identification.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Asset Security — This question tests Asset Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Data masking — Data masking is a valid de-identification technique because it irreversibly obscures specific data values, such as replacing real credit card numbers with fictional ones, while preserving the data format for testing or analytics. Unlike encryption, masking does not allow reversal to the original value, ensuring the data is no longer personally identifiable. It is commonly used in non-production environments to protect sensitive information.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This CISSP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CISSP exam.
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