New Db2 V11.5 Mod Pack 5

During the currently ongoing virtual IDUG EMEA 2020 conference IBM released Mod Pack 5 for Db2 11.5. As it is with modification packs, it brings a long list of new features and enhancements to the current version of Db2. You can download this new release and other Db2 versions from the usual Db2 download page. As of this writing, the Db2 Docker image has not been updated.

Not just during Covid-19: Time for data masking

Facial data mask

If you follow common sense or health agency / government instructions, you probably wear at least a basic face mask when mingling with other people. Mostly, this is to protect others from your droplets, possibly with some virus-laden payload. If the mask is more advanced, it is capably of filtering out stuff that may harm you.

Similar to face mask, data masks have been around for a long time. Data masks and face masks share the same purpose, preventing leakage of damaging "tiny bits". In the database system Db2, data masking is already built-in. You only need to apply data masking by defining masks (styling and sewing your own mask) and enabling them (putting it own). Here is how.