How many of us knows about SAP UI Masking Solution?

Introduction:

SAP UI Masking offers a robust solution for safeguarding sensitive data within SAP systems. It operates seamlessly across various SAP user interfaces, including SAP GUI, SAP CRM, Web Dynpro ABAP, SAPUI5, and SAP Fiori. By focusing on the presentation layer, SAP UI Masking ensures that the original data within database tables remains untouched while providing a layer of protection for data displayed through interfaces like SE11, SE16, and SE16N transactions.

Field masking is controlled through PFCG roles, granting authorized users access to view original data while presenting masked data to unauthorized users. Moreover, SAP UI Masking supports advanced masking techniques, such as selective masking via the implementation of Business Add-Ins (BAdI), enabling organizations to tailor their data protection strategies to specific requirements.

One of the key advantages of SAP UI Masking is its seamless integration with existing ERP and Fiori applications. Since masking occurs at runtime and operates independently of the underlying business processes, there is minimal disruption to functional behavior, ensuring business continuity.

Performance considerations are also minimal, with negligible impact on system performance. Additionally, SAP UI Masking provides flexibility by offering a global switch for toggling masking on and off, allowing organizations to manage risk effectively.

With SAP UI Masking, organizations can confidently protect sensitive data without compromising the functionality of their SAP systems. Through comprehensive testing approaches and features like Field Access Trace (FAT), which tracks access to masked data, organizations can ensure the integrity and security of their data while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.

Q: What UI technologies does Masking support?

A: Masking supports objects built on SAP GUI, SAP CRM, Web Dynpro ABAP, SAPUI5, and SAP Fiori. Additionally, it can protect data exposed via SAP Gateway.

Q: Does masking work within databases?

A: While UI Masking operates on the presentation layer, the data in database tables remains unchanged. However, special handling ensures data is masked when displayed through data browsers like SE11, SE16, and SE16N transactions.

Q: How is masking for a field controlled?

A: Masking is controlled by PFCG roles. Users with assigned PFCG roles can view the original data, while others see masked data. It's also possible to extend scenarios using the BAdI for Selective Masking or Attribute Based Authorization.

Q: Is masking supported for Custom programs or custom tables?

A: Yes, UI Masking treats standard and custom objects the same.

Q: Can data for a masked field be changed?

A: No, masked fields are disabled for editing.

Q: Does the Masking add-on impact existing ERP/Fiori applications?

A: Masking occurs at runtime, so the functional behavior of applications and data in DB tables remains unaffected.

Q: Are there sizing requirements or performance considerations with masking?

A: There are no sizing requirements, and any performance impact is negligible.

Q: Will masking work if a field's technical address contains a structure instead of a table?

A: Yes, masking operates on the UI Layer and does not differentiate between a table or a structure.

Q: Is there a provision to turn on/off UI Masking to manage risks?

A: Yes, the masking solution includes a global switch for toggling masking on and off.

Q: Does masking work during debugging?

A: Masking occurs after the application layer, so developers with debug access will see the original data.

Q: What is HANA Masking, and how does it differ from UI Masking?

A: HANA Masking prevents unauthorized access to HANA database data, while UI Masking operates on application UIs after business processes run.

Q: Is there a video resource available for understanding masking solutions quickly?

A: Yes, external resources like published PDFs and short introduction videos are available.

Q: Does masking work with Composite roles?

A: Yes, masking supports both composite and single roles.

Q: How do create and change transactions work for masked fields?

A: Change transactions disable editing for masked fields, while create transactions require pre-populated masked fields.

Q: Does UI Masking also mask values displayed during F4 searches?

A: Yes, F4 search help is supported for masking.

Q: Will UI masking affect customized programs generating payment files?

A: No, masking occurs outside the business layer, so payment files remain unaffected.

Q: Does Masking prevent unauthorized access during downloads from an ALV?

A: Yes, masking works during download scenarios.

Q: Does UI Masking support spool results?

A: Yes, sensitive data appears in masked form in spool results.

Q: What is the high-level effort estimate for masking and logging?

A: Typically, customers can go live with each masking/logging channel in a matter of weeks, with configurations being straightforward.

Q: Can masking and logging be implemented independently?

A: Yes, they are independent solutions but can be used together.

Q: What is the impact of masking on system-to-system communication like RFC calls?

A: There is no impact on system/communication IDs as masking doesn't operate at the machine-to-machine layer.

Q: How can masking BAdI be implemented for selective masking/authorization?

A: Create a masking BAdI implementation with a filter value to decide which fields to mask based on context.

Q: When configuring masking in SAPGUI screens, when do we enter table name, field name, and when do we enter program screen details?

A: Masking primarily occurs on Table-Field in SAPGUI screens, with program name and screen number details needed only for Module Pool screens.

Q: If an unauthorized person enters unmasked data for searching, will the system retrieve the result?

A: Yes, the system will retrieve the result as there's no way to prevent it without modifying each program.

Q: In the scenario of an unauthorized person clicking 'Save' on a masked field, what value is saved in the Database?

A: The original value is saved in the DB.

Q: What is the overall development approach for implementing masking and logging?

A: Add-ons are installed on the server side, with changes and configurations transported from Dev to Prod environments.

Q: What testing approaches ensure no impact on existing functions after enabling UI Masking?

A: Testing involves identifying screens for masking, configuring fields in Dev, testing in QA with production-like data, and verifying masking for unauthorized users.

Q: How does Field Access Trace (FAT) work?

A: FAT stores a trace of fields maintained for masking, allowing users to see who accessed sensitive data and when, masked or unmasked.

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