---
title: "Cross Referencing - Values"
slug: "cross-referencing"
updated: 2025-07-31T13:34:45Z
published: 2025-07-31T13:34:45Z
canonical: "knowledge.curiositysoftware.ie/cross-referencing"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://knowledge.curiositysoftware.ie/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Cross Referencing - Values

The Curiosity Platform provides advanced Data Masking and transformation functions to secure sensitive information before it reaches non-production environments. Often data requirements need to be very specific, and you will need options in how to maintain top quality data. By leveraging techniques like cross-referencing, you can reference different values and combine as part of your masking routine.

[Data Masking - Cross Reference across Tables and Databases Tutorial | Enterprise Test Data](https://www.youtube.com/embed/clNbF82_PDM)

[Data Masking - Cross Reference Table Tutorial | Enterprise Test Data](https://www.youtube.com/embed/5bBAdRtZ4oI)

In this example, we will use an EMAIL column and reference a FIRST_NAME or LAST_NAME to keep the data looking realistic whilst being secure.

### Data Activity

We will now build a new Data Activity. This activity will configure & control the cross-referencing data masking job.

Navigate to the **Data Actives → Activity Explorer.** Choose to **+Add Activity** **→ Mask Database.**

![](https://cdn.document360.io/77f722a6-2d0a-49fa-8074-572515a6c4b8/Images/Documentation/image-1GND1CJ5.png)

Provide a **Name** & **Description** then click **Next Step** when ready.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/77f722a6-2d0a-49fa-8074-572515a6c4b8/Images/Documentation/image-LE7JOSZU.png)

Click **Go to Activity.** When the job completes.

Attach the **Default Database Connection** & **Attach Definition Version**

![](https://cdn.document360.io/77f722a6-2d0a-49fa-8074-572515a6c4b8/Images/Documentation/image-SE583BZ2.png)

Here we attached

![](https://cdn.document360.io/77f722a6-2d0a-49fa-8074-572515a6c4b8/Images/Documentation/image-AN0N9XZC.png)

The latest database Connection & Version #2 of a Definition version.

> [!NOTE]
> **If you are unsure of these steps - Follow the Data Discovery documentation**

We will now create a new **Rule Set Version** click on the Play icon.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/77f722a6-2d0a-49fa-8074-572515a6c4b8/Images/Documentation/image-L1DE7HCD.png)

On the **Details** tab provide a **Name & Description**

![](https://cdn.document360.io/77f722a6-2d0a-49fa-8074-572515a6c4b8/Images/Documentation/image-RYKLDYGL.png)

In this example, we don’t need to alter anything on the **Configuration** tab.

On the **Tables** choose the table you are masking and click **Add tables.**

![](https://cdn.document360.io/77f722a6-2d0a-49fa-8074-572515a6c4b8/Images/Documentation/image-H8I9J5H0.png)

When finished click **OK.**

You can now navigate to the **Masking Rule Set Version #1**.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/77f722a6-2d0a-49fa-8074-572515a6c4b8/Images/Documentation/image-QFHJU3Q4.png)

From the **Rule Set,** click add on **email.**

![](https://cdn.document360.io/77f722a6-2d0a-49fa-8074-572515a6c4b8/Images/Documentation/image-ZS3O2P8L.png)

Provide the **Type** (for email, **Internet**) & select **Function** Masking.Email.

This will provide parameters you can now reference.

Toggle reference to **Yes / No** to provide a list of other columns you can choose from.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/77f722a6-2d0a-49fa-8074-572515a6c4b8/Images/Documentation/image-MAJQF3CP.png)

Choose the columns to reference. In this case FirstName & LastName.

> [!NOTE]
> **The goal here is to have the firstName.LastName@provider.uniqueSuffix created for consistency in the data formatting**

Click **OK**.

Return to the **Data Activity**.

We now need to create the **Data Masking Submit Form**. From the Data Activity, click **Data Masking Submit Form**.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/77f722a6-2d0a-49fa-8074-572515a6c4b8/Images/Documentation/image-D4TZYBW1.png)

Provide the **Name & Group** to store the job.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/77f722a6-2d0a-49fa-8074-572515a6c4b8/Images/Documentation/image-1DSR6NMZ.png)

The **Data Activity** should now hold all the below details. When you are ready to run the mask, Click the **Play** icon.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/77f722a6-2d0a-49fa-8074-572515a6c4b8/Images/Documentation/image-DT594FCM.png)

If you had additional configurations such as a audit report request or just to validate the database, select those options. Otherwise, just click **Execute**.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/77f722a6-2d0a-49fa-8074-572515a6c4b8/Images/Documentation/image-XNRPL6FW.png)

When the job runs you should see the records that have been masked.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/77f722a6-2d0a-49fa-8074-572515a6c4b8/Images/Documentation/image-C1A784UE.png)