Which technique scrambles data content using a mathematical algorithm while preserving its structural arrangement?

The technique that scrambles data content using a mathematical algorithm while preserving its structural arrangement is format-preserving encryption. This method ensures that the encrypted output retains the same format as the original data, meaning that the lengths and character sets of the data are preserved. This is particularly useful in scenarios where the data must still appear in a recognizable form for applications that do not support unencrypted data, such as legacy systems or databases.

Format-preserving encryption allows organizations to maintain compliance with regulations while also protecting sensitive information. For example, if the original data is a Social Security number, the encrypted result will also be a string of similar length and structure, making it usable in systems expecting that format without requiring extensive modifications.

In contrast, dynamic masking alters the appearance of data without changing the underlying original value, while proxy-based encryption involves the use of an intermediary to manage encryption and decryption, often not preserving data format. Tokenization replaces sensitive data with non-sensitive equivalents, which can be very different structurally from the original data. Format-preserving encryption stands out by ensuring that the encrypted data maintains its original format, making it an ideal choice for certain applications that necessitate both security and usability.