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Data masking is a technique used to protect sensitive information by replacing it with anonymized data that retains the same format but obscures the actual values. This is crucial in scenarios where sensitive information, such as personal identification numbers or credit card details, must be used in a non-sensitive environment, like software testing or data analytics, without exposing the real data to potential threats or unauthorized access.

By obscuring sensitive data, organizations can leverage necessary information while minimizing the risks associated with data breaches or compliance violations. This is particularly important in industries where data privacy regulations are stringent, as data masking helps ensure that organizations can still perform their operational functions without compromising sensitive information.

Other options do not describe the primary purpose of data masking. For instance, while faster processing could be a side effect of certain data handling techniques, it is not the main goal of data masking. Similarly, compressing files or enhancing backup reliability refers to different processes that do not involve obscuring sensitive data. Thus, the focus is clearly on obscuring sensitive data to provide protection, aligning perfectly with the concept of data masking.