What is Masking? PAN & DTMF Masking | Glossary (2024)

In the context of data security, 'Masking' is a method to conceal or suppress data when it is displayed, printed or relayed over a telephone conversation. This method can be used to avoid storing sensitive data, for instance, de-scope data and achieve PCI DSS compliance. For example, it hides credit card details when a customer makes a payment by telephone.

PAN masking hides a portion of the long card number, or PAN, on a credit or debit card, protecting the card account numbers when displayed or printed.

DTMF masking is used in specific technology when a customer enters their card details over the phone. Instead of saying the number aloud, the customer enters their details using their telephone keypad. Each telephone digit gives a distinct tone that could give away the card identity. The digits are therefore completely or partially masked to prevent any identification.

Eckoh offers DTMF masking solutions to contact centers that take payments over the phone. We help them achieve PCI DSS compliance by preventing any sensitive payment data from entering their organization. This data cannot be stored, accessed or replicated.

What is Masking? PAN & DTMF Masking | Glossary (2024)

FAQs

What is Masking? PAN & DTMF Masking | Glossary? ›

PAN masking hides a portion of the long card number, or PAN, on a credit or debit card, protecting the card account numbers when displayed or printed. DTMF

DTMF
Combination of 1209 Hz and 697 Hz sine waves, representing DTMF "1" The DTMF telephone keypad is laid out as a matrix of push buttons in which each row represents the low frequency component and each column represents the high frequency component of the DTMF signal.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › DTMF
masking is used in specific technology when a customer enters their card details over the phone.

What is DTMF masking? ›

In DTMF masking, the consumer enters their card number, expiry date and security code using their telephone keypad, rather than speaking their payment card data. These tones are intercepted by the PCI Pal system and masked with a monotone comfort beep for the agents.

What does masking a PAN mean? ›

Masking is a method of concealing a segment of a primary account number (PAN) when displayed or printed (for example, on paper receipts, reports, or computer screens), and is used when there is no business need to view the entire PAN.

What is a masked PAN number? ›

In the simplest terms, masking a PAN means protecting it from anyone who doesn't have a legitimate reason to see it. PAN masking helps to reduce the potential for illicit use of a customer's card information. The masking process itself involves substituting generic characters in place of the specific numbers in a PAN.

What is masking in PCI DSS? ›

In the context of PCI DSS, it is a method of concealing a segment of data when displayed or printed. Masking is used when there is no business requirement to view the entire PAN. Masking relates to protection of PAN when displayed or printed.

What is the purpose of DTMF? ›

Dual-tone multi-frequency signaling (DTMF) is a telecommunication signaling system using the voice-frequency band over telephone lines between telephone equipment and other communications devices and switching centers.

What causes DTMF issues? ›

Check if your volume is proper for your FXO/GSM/FXS ports. The common default volume would be 60% or 40 %. Make sure it is not too far regarding to the default value.

What is PAN mask? ›

Primary Account Number (PAN) Mask. This mask was designed to mask Primary Account Numbers (PANs) which includes credit cards. Specifically, this mask will randomize the numeric digits of a PAN and correctly set the check digit according to the Luhn algorithm.

What is an example of masking? ›

You might change your body language, tone of voice, or facial expressions around specific people or in certain situations. Perhaps you try to force yourself to make more or less eye contact depending on the person.

What is masking why it is required? ›

Data masking allows developers and testers to work with realistic test data that resembles the original, but without exposing sensitive information. It reduces security risks in development and testing cycles.

What can hackers do with my PAN number? ›

Yes, anyone who gains access to your PAN card can misuse it by using your personal information to conduct fraudulent activities, such as opening bank accounts, obtaining loans or credit cards, and conducting identity theft. It is important to keep your PAN card secure and report any misuse immediately.

How can I know if someone is using my PAN card? ›

One of the simplest ways to check if you are a victim of PAN Card fraud is by checking your credit report. The credit report includes general information such as your payment history, credit inquiries, loans taken under your name, etc.

What is the PAN number used for? ›

Identity Proof: PAN card serves a valid identity proof. Other than voter card, Aadhaar card, PAN card is also accepted by all financial institutions and other organisations as an identity proof. Tax Deductions: One of the important reasons to get a PAN card is for taxation.

What is masking a PAN? ›

PAN masking hides a portion of the long card number, or PAN, on a credit or debit card, protecting the card account numbers when displayed or printed.

What are the rules for masked PAN? ›

PAN Masking

First, only authorized viewers may see unmasked PAN information. Otherwise, any display of said information must be masked. Second, the masking must not exceed the first six digits (the BIN) or the last four digits, meaning that the unique account number must always be masked at a minimum.

How do you explain masking? ›

Masking is a strategy used by some autistic people, consciously or unconsciously, to appear non-autistic in order to blend in and be more accepted in society. Masking can happen in formal situations such as at school or work and in informal situations such as at home with family or socialising with friends.

What is DTMF mode on Android phone? ›

Dual tone multi frequency (DTMF) is a technology used with touch tone phones, best known to users as the sound made when pressing a number key. It signals the phone company that you want to make a call and sends a command to the switch.

Is DTMF still used today? ›

Modern cellphones also do not use DTMF for dialing, as they are purely digital systems. The entire phone number to call is stored and sent to the cell tower base station as part of the dialing process, and therefore, DTMF tones are not used.

What is DTMF suppression? ›

DTMF suppression and/or masking simply replaces the audio tone value with a single mono-tone preventing downstream systems from being exposed to this sensitive data. This technology is included in all of Eckoh's phone payment products.

What is the meaning of DTMF encoded? ›

Dual Tone Multi-Frequency is a signal tone generated when buttons are pushed on a telephone keypad – hence the term 'Touchtone Phone'. DTMF was invented by the Bell Telephone Company in 1963.

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