Question

I have to write a script which will mask the sensitive data in the log files. I am confused how to implement this? Which option will be best for doing the same:

• Using AWK
• Using SED
• Using SED,AWK
• Using PERL
• Using simple file read and searching logic.

If you have any suggestions then please share.

Input File:
Name  Jack
Add   New York
Phone [phone]

Output File:
Name   Jack
Add    New York
Phone  XXX-XXX-XXXX

I tried this using awk:

cat $HOME_DIR/testdata.dat | awk 'BEGIN{ 
    i=1; 
    FS=" "; 
} 
{ 
    for (i = 1; i < NF; i++) { 
        fld = $(i); 
        if( fld == "PHONE") { 
            printf ("%s$%s", $(i),$(i+1)); 
        } 
        else if( fld == "PIN") { 
            printf ("%s$%s", $(i),$(i+1)); 
        } 
        else if( fld == "DOB") { 
            printf ("%s$%s", $(i),$(i+1)); 
        } else { 
            printf ("%s", $(i)); 
        } 
    } 
    printf ("\n"); 
} 
END{ 
    i=1 
}' > $HOME_DIR/testdataupd.dat

Answer 1

One way using awk. When found words phone, dob or pin at the beginning of the line (ignoring case) substitute in second field all characters but - with X. The print command is executed for every line.

awk '
    BEGIN { 
        IGNORECASE = 1
    }
    $1 ~ /^(phone|dob|pin)$/ {
        gsub( /[^-]/, "X", $2 )
    }
    { print }
' $HOME_DIR/testdata.dat >$HOME_DIR/testdataupd.dat