Answer-perturbation techniques for the protection of statistical databases

This paper presents an answer-perturbation model for the protection of statistical databases. Compared to previous approaches, this model saves both space and time since neither a copy of the original database nor an extra processing of the query set is needed. The modularity of our protection mechanism (perturbation is applied after the query processing, not during it or upon data entry, as in the other approaches) facilitates the implementation. The method presented is user-oriented and since the usability (accuracy) of the statistically altered answers can be fine-tuned, the balance between usability and protection (security) is under the control of the database administrator.