What process converts customer list information into randomized code for security purposes?

The correct answer, data hashing, refers to a process that converts input (such as customer list information) into a fixed-length string of characters, which appears to be random. This transformation is typically done in a way that makes it nearly impossible to revert back to the original data, making it highly secure. Hashing is primarily used to verify data integrity and securely store sensitive information, such as passwords.

Hashing operates through algorithms that process the input data and produce a unique hash value. Even a small change in the input data creates a significantly different hash output. This unique property makes hashed information secure because it cannot be easily deciphered or manipulated, ensuring the integrity of the original data while also protecting it from unauthorized access.

While other options like data encryption, data masking, and data anonymization involve changing data for security or privacy purposes, they serve different functions. For example, data encryption allows reversible transformation using keys, data masking substitutes original data to hide its real value while retaining a similar format, and data anonymization removes or modifies personal identifiers so that individuals cannot be readily identified. Each of these plays a role in data protection but does not meet the specific criteria defined in the question as well as data hashing does.