---
schema_version: "1"
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title: The New Data Mask and Seed (Beta)
collection: admin
version: current
locale: en-us
portal_url: https://docs.salesforce.com/admin/current/en-us/release-notes/260-0-0/rn_data_mask_and_seed.md
canonical_url: https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=release-notes.rn_data_mask_and_seed.htm&release=260&type=5
source_site: help.salesforce.com
content_type: documentation
content_hash: 10bce787e9338d6003626b2b28b01e6c4c9043de9d75d891c9696ef946fdafd1
description: Secure your sandbox data by using the new Salesforce Data Mask and Seed (beta). Admins and dev teams can define Data Mask policies and use them to mask sensitive sandbox data, such as proprietary, restricted, government-regulated, and personally identifiable information (PII).
products:
  - Cross Cloud Packages Solutions
release: "260"
---
# The New Data Mask and Seed (Beta)

Secure your sandbox data by using the new Salesforce Data Mask and Seed (beta). Admins and dev teams can define Data Mask policies and use them to mask sensitive sandbox data, such as proprietary, restricted, government-regulated, and personally identifiable information (PII).

- **[Mask Sensitive Data by Using Data Mask and Seed (Beta)](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=release-notes.rn_data_mask_and_seed_native_app.htm&release=260&type=5)**  
    The new Data Mask and Seed (beta) is a native Salesforce app and not a managed package. As a native app, users don’t hassle with managed package installation. Instead, the Salesforce platform automatically applies necessary app updates.
- **[Work with the Data Mask and Seed’s (Beta) Redesigned User Interface](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=release-notes.rn_data_mask_and_seed_ui.htm&release=260&type=5)**  
    Configure data masking tasks more easily with a redesigned, intuitive interface. The updated experience provides well-organized displays and clear messaging to simplify navigation and the configuration process for admins and developers.
- **[Proactively Detect Personally Identifiable Information with Data Mask and Seed (Beta)](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=release-notes.rn_data_mask_and_seed_proactive_pii_detection.htm&release=260&type=5)**  
    The new Data Mask and Seed (beta) automatically identifies object fields in masking policies that contain personally identifiable information (PII). During policy configuration, the feature provides a suggested “Mask With” option for these object fields. Suggesting “Mask With” options reduces the manual effort required to secure sensitive data in your sandbox environments. You can always modify the suggested “Mask With” option for an object field.
- **[Maintain Field Value Distribution with Data Mask and Seed (Beta)](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=release-notes.rn_data_mask_and_seed_maintain_field_value_distribution.htm&release=260&type=5)**  
    The new Data Mask and Seed (beta) analyzes the existing distribution of field values across your sandbox object records during a masking job. This process makes sure that the masked data reflects the original frequency and proportion of values for each field type. Your developers can work with realistic datasets that mirror the statistical profile of your production environment while keeping sensitive information secure.
- **[Get Precise Detail from Informative Masking Job Error Messages](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=release-notes.rn_data_mask_and_seed_informative_masking_job_error_messages.htm&release=260&type=5)**  
    Effectively troubleshoot masking jobs with error messages that provide precise details, including problematic record IDs and offending fields. Masking job error messages also include a link to documentation explaining common errors. By identifying specific records and fields that cause issues, you can immediately address data integrity problems in your sandbox and get it ready for use.
- **[Run Masking Jobs with Flexible Execution](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=release-notes.rn_data_mask_and_seed_flexible_masking_job_execution.htm&release=260&type=5)**  
    You now have more control over when to mask your data. With the new Data Mask and Seed (beta), you can manually run masking jobs or schedule them to run later. This flexibility helps you align data preparation with your team’s development cycles and maintenance windows.