How can customers effectively protect sensitive data in the Oracle Autonomous Database?

Customers can effectively protect sensitive data in the Oracle Autonomous Database by identifying and masking sensitive data specifically in partner or development environments. This approach ensures that sensitive information is not exposed in non-production settings, where the risk of data leakage is often heightened due to less stringent security controls and a higher likelihood of developers or partners interacting with the data.

Masking sensitive data, especially in development environments, allows teams to work with datasets that resemble real-world scenarios without exposing actual sensitive information. This practice complies with data privacy regulations and helps maintain the integrity of consumer data while allowing applications or systems to be tested and developed securely.

The other options do not encompass the full scope of data protection available. For instance, only masking sensitive data in production environments or limiting it to development without considering partner environments fails to recognize the inherent risks outside core production systems. Additionally, stating that masking is not supported in development environments neglects the functionality that Oracle provides to mask data in various settings, including both development and testing phases, enhancing overall data security across the board.