What is one way to render a Primary Account Number (PAN) unreadable?

One effective way to render a Primary Account Number (PAN) unreadable is through the use of one-way hashes. A one-way hash is a cryptographic function that converts input data into a fixed-length string of characters, which is typically represented in a hexadecimal format. The key feature of a one-way hash is that it cannot be reversed; that is, it is computationally infeasible to reconstruct the original input from the hashed output. This inherent property makes it a strong choice for securing sensitive information like PANs, as even if the hashed value is exposed, it cannot be easily decrypted back to its original form.

In addition to this, one-way hashes can also provide integrity verification because any change to the original data will result in a drastically different hash value. This means if even a single digit of the PAN changes, the hash will not match, indicating potential tampering or mismatch.

While other methods, such as full disk encryption or data masking, can enhance data security, they do not specifically address the requirement of making the PAN unreadable in a way that prevents any possibility of reconstruction. Therefore, one-way hashing stands out as the primary choice for securely handling PAN information.