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Security Fundamentals & Crypto · Intermediate

Tokenization

Replacing sensitive data with a non-sensitive surrogate value (token) that maps back to the original via a secure vault.

Definition

Tokenization removes sensitive values such as card numbers from systems, storing the real data in a token vault. Unlike encryption, a token has no mathematical relationship to the original, so it cannot be reversed without vault access. It significantly reduces PCI DSS scope.

Example

A merchant stores token 4111-XXXX-8392 instead of the real PAN, and only the payment processor's vault can map it back.

Exam tip

Tokenization is not encryption; it is favored for reducing compliance scope and for payment data.

Don't confuse it with

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