Data hiding is a cybersecurity and programming concept that restricts access to certain information to enhance security, privacy, and maintainability. It ensures that sensitive data is not exposed to unauthorized users or external systems.

1️⃣ Data Hiding in Cybersecurity
In security, data hiding prevents unauthorized access to sensitive information, reducing the risk of data breaches.
🔹 Examples:
✔️ Encryption: Converts data into an unreadable format using cryptographic techniques (AES, RSA).
✔️ Access Control: Role-based access (RBAC) ensures users see only what they need.
✔️ Steganography: Hiding data inside images, videos, or text.
✔️ Masked Data: Credit card numbers shown as **** **** **** 1234.
2️⃣ Data Hiding in Programming (Encapsulation) 💻
In object-oriented programming (OOP), data hiding protects internal object details by restricting direct access to variables.

Why?
✅ Prevents unintended modifications
✅ Increases security & integrity
✅ Improves maintainability

3️⃣ Data Hiding in Networking 🌐
🔹 Firewalls & VPNs: Hide internal IP addresses from the public.
🔹 NAT (Network Address Translation): Masks private IPs behind a public address.
🔹 TLS/SSL Encryption: Hides data in transit from attackers.


🔹 Why is Data Hiding Important?
✅ Enhances security by limiting exposure
✅ Reduces attack surface for hackers
✅ Protects user privacy
✅ Ensures system integrity