IRI FieldShield Supports Townsend Security’s Alliance Key Manager

Multi-Source Data Masking Software Now Encrypts and Decrypts with Keys in Cloud, VMware, or HSM Platforms

Innovative Routines International (IRI), Inc., a leading provider of data masking software, and Townsend Security, a leading authority in data privacy solutions, have enabled IRI FieldShield to use encryption keys stored and managed in Townsend Security’s Alliance Key Manager servers. The integration gives DBAs and “data security governance” professional a robust, compliant way to encrypt or decrypt data at rest in many sources.

A multi-year rise of hacking incidents and privacy law violations has driven demand for data-centric security. “Masking data in FieldShield using AES encryption, and protecting those encryption keys with Alliance Key Manager can help mitigate the risk of data breaches, and protect an organization’s brand and reputation,” observed Patrick Townsend, Founder & CEO of Townsend Security. “This is especially relevant given laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which contemplates encryption of sensitive data in order to avoid class action lawsuits,” he added.

FieldShield classifies, discovers, and masks personally identifiable information (PII) in relational and NoSQL databases, and a wide range of structured file formats on-premise or in the cloud. Multiple encryption functions -- including format-preserving encryption -- are among its 15 masking categories. FieldShield users can assign a unique passphrase to serve as an encryption key for one or more data classes (columns or fields). The keys allow the restoration of original values from ciphertext when used with the corresponding decryption function.

Alliance Key Manager provides the security of TLS-authenticated access to FieldShield passphrases stored in VMware, Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, or a private or dedicated Hardware Security Module (HSM). This assures that only authorized users can access the key server and obtain the keys to decrypt.

FieldShield users can generate the keys using either the native command line or web interface to Alliance Key Manager. “Centralizing storage of FieldShield passphrases through Alliance Key Manager not only gives our users FIPS 140-2 compliant key security, but also a more convenient way to manage their encryption keys,” according to IRI developer Devon Kozenieski.

About IRI
Founded in 1978, IRI develops fast data management and data-centric security software through 40 cities worldwide. IRI’s proven data manipulation engine -- and its free Eclipse job design environment -- provide uniquely price-performant and versatile data lifecycle solution software for big data and BI/DW architects, data security and compliance teams, DBAs, and developers. Gartner recognizes IRI FieldShield, CellShield, DarkShield as static and dynamic masking solutions for structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data sources.