Voice of the DBA

Tag: syndicated

  • Removing a Deleted Column from a Data Masker Masking Set

    Data Masker for SQL Server is a great tool ensuring the data you use in non-production environments is compliant with any regulations by obfuscating and changing sensitive data. This is part of a series of posts on Data Masker from Redgate Software.

    Recently I was testing a scenario for a customer and had an error while running an existing masking set. I had opened the set up and run it, a pre-test before I altered it for this customer. I immediately got this while running the masking set:

    2021-09-10 10_20_22-

    This is a common problem. Schemas evolve, and while fixing the data set should be part of the development and deployment process, the timing is difficult. I can’t change a masking set before the change is deployed into production. When it is, I don’t want to wait too long before I make the update.

    In any case, when I click OK, I see the error location:

    2021-09-10 10_20_32-Masking Set Run Errors

    This isn’t that helpful, but if I click the “All Errors in the Masking Rules” tab, I get something that is useful.

    2021-09-10 10_20_37-Masking Set Run Errors

    This is the situation I described above. I had deployed part of a demo that moved data around and deleted a column. However, the masking set wasn’t changed. This makes sense as I often reset the demo, but in this case my copy of the database had the column.

    Fixing the Error

    I have two choices. I could add the column back, but that wouldn’t help with this post Winking smile

    In this case, I’ll open rule 01-0013 by highlighting it and clicking “Edit Rule”, as shown below.

    2021-09-10 10_26_44-simpletalk(unsaved)_ Data Masker for SQL Server

    In this dialog, I see all the columns I’m masking. At the bottom, I can see the taxid, which doesn’t exist any longer. In this case, I can highlight the column and click the “Delete” button at the bottom.

    2021-09-10 10_32_26-

    I click “Update Substitution Rule” to save the changes and then I can run the entire set again. I’m looking for more errors, which are possible. In this case, I had to correct another column error. Then I got this:

    2021-09-10 10_34_10-

    Now I’m ready to actually set up the customer situation and help them fix their issue.

    Data Masker is an incredibly powerful tool for protecting sensitive data. I see more and more customers using it all the time to comply with GDPR and other government regulations. If you’ve never tried it, download an eval today and check out our library of articles.

  • Daily Coping 20 Sep 2021

    I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here. All my coping tips are under this tag.

    Today’s tip is to if you’re busy, allow yourself to pause and take a break.

    I suck at this. I mean, I am really bad at this. When I’m busy, I usually go from task to task. I get in the flow of some things, but often I have a disparate set of items to tackle, and I’ll keep going, forgetting to get up and take a break. I even sometimes make a pot of coffee, have one cup, and look up to find it’s 1:00pm. I’ve been at my desk for hours.

    I do feel the stress sometimes, and I am trying to remind myself that taking 2-3 minutes to walk outside or stop and stare is OK. I might get lightly distracted on the Internet, but that’s not the same. I really should just take a break.

    In the past I have had mixed success. Even the week I am writing this (13-17 Sep), I’m slightly better, but really it’s because I’m in a different environment.

    I’ll try to keep this in mind in the coming days when I’m back at home. Stop, get up, take a break.

  • Daily Coping 17 Sep 2021

    I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here. All my coping tips are under this tag.

    Today’s tip is to get outside today and give your mind a natural boost.

    I live in Colorado because of the great weather. My wife and I decided to move here for the views, the sun, and the ability to be outdoors most of the year.

    Getting outside is a coping mechanism that I’ve enjoyed for most of my life.

    Today this is easy. I’m working remotely in Santa Fe, where my wife is competing in a dressage show. While I’m working most of the day in our camper, I will get up and cook breakfast outside. I’ll walk over to the arenas to help my wife get ready and film a bit, and I hope to get a short hike in as well this afternoon.

    Even when I’m working, with windows open, and a nice breeze, it almost feels like I’m outside as I can watch the views on the West side just outside of Santa Fe.

  • Daily Coping 16 Sep 2021

    I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here. All my coping tips are under this tag.

    Today’s tip is to be as kind to yourself as you would to a loved one.

    A tricky one today. After all, our loved ones are sometimes the ones that hurt us most, or upset us the most. I think we can sometimes get angrier at family than outsiders.

    In any case, we often show our love, affection, and caring for our family in many ways, especially little ones. We put ourselves out for them, and we work to ensure they are happy, content, and joyous in life.

    I need to remember that while I find ways to forgive and accept family, I struggle to do that to myself. I can be hard on myself, chastising myself in my mind for mistakes.

    I’m telling myself today to accept myself as a flawed person. One who makes mistakes, mistakes I can learn from, but I can’t dwell on.

    I give this advice to others and need to follow it myself.