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USZipcode Algorithm

When masking the zipcode, the first 3 digits, the sectional center facility (SCF), are preserved and the last 2 digits are replaced using deterministic variable algorithm. The plus4digits are replaced using the deterministic variable algorithm, by default.

Algorithm Characteristics​

  • Algorithm: USZipcode
  • Masking Technique: Anonymization
  • Supported Types: String, Number
  • Referential Integrity: false
  • Conflict-free: false
  • Realistic Data: true
  • Reversible: false

Properties​

  • zipcode5mask { boolean; optional; default: true }
    If true, the zipcode (first 5 digits) are obfuscated. The first 3 digits, the sectional center facility (SCF), are preserved, and the last 2 digits are replaced using deterministic variable algorithm.
    Example: "zipcode5mask": false

  • plus4mask { enum; optional; default: "VARIABLE" }
    One of DISCRETE, REPEAT, or VARIABLE. DISCRETE replaces the plus4 digits with the value of the plus4discrete property. REPEAT repeats the first digit of the plus4 number 4 times. (e.g. "1234" => "1111"). VARIABLE replaces the plus4 digits with 4 digits generated suing a deterministic variable algorithm
    Example: "plus4mask": "REPEAT"

  • plus4discrete { string; optional; default: "1234" }
    When plus4mask property is DISCRETE, this string is used to replace original plus4 digits.
    Example: "plus4discrete": "5555"

Example JSON configuration​

{
    "name": "ExampleZipcodeMasker",
    "description": "Masks a zipcode preserving the sectional center facility (SCF), first three digits",
    "algorithm": "USZipcode",
    "plus4mask": "REPEAT"
}

Default Maskers based on the USZipcode Algorithm​

  1. VariableZipcodeMasker