Column Management
Connecting a column to ALTR enables you to enforce data access governance and advanced data security on that column. Connected Columns are managed on the → → page.
Use this page to
Connect columns to ALTR
Disconnect columns from ALTR
Update metadata about columns connected to ALTR
View a list of columns connected to ALTR
Indicate columns that contain tokens
A column that is connected to ALTR invokes ALTR's cloud-based access control when it is queried. This process enables ALTR to apply data access rules on the column, enforce detokenization policy, and monitor and log access to the column. Refer to ALTR's Integration Documentation for details on how this manifests for different data source.
Note
You can only connect Snowflake columns to ALTR that are present in the schema snapshot. This snapshot updates every 72 hours. If your schema information is constantly changing, we recommend using tag-based policy, which does not rely on the schema information. Refer to Schema Snapshot System for more information.
To connect a column:
Click → → in the Navigation menu.
Click the Columns tab.
Click the button.
Select the Data Source the column resides in from the data source dropdown.
Select the Schema and Table or View the column resides in from the relevant dropdowns.
Select the column from the relevant dropdown.
(Optional) Select the Tokenized check box to use ALTR policy to detokenize sensitive data. Ensure all values for this column are tokenized. Refer to Tokenization Access Policies for more information.
Assign a name to the column (cosmetic).
Click the button.
To disconnect a column:
Select → → in the Navigation menu.
Select the column you wish to disconnect.
Click the Disconnect Column button.
Warning
Before force disconnecting a column, consult ALTR Support.
Force disconnecting columns could have a negative impact on your source system if you do not fully understand your data and this feature.
Force disconnect a column if you are unable to disconnect the column as expected. This action ignores any errors encountered during the disconnect process. Use great caution with this feature because it cannot be undone.
Reasons to force disconnect columns include:
Column no longer exists in your source system
Service user's privileges have been decommissioned
ALTR could not connect to Snowflake
To force disconnect a column:
Select → → in the Navigation menu.
Select the column you wish to disconnect.
Click the Disconnect Column button.
Click the Trouble Disconnecting? link.
Click the Force Disconnect Column button.
Click the Force Disconnect Column button.
Review your source system and clean up any object left behind.