In tokenization, which step should occur immediately before an application requests access to the data?

Before an application requests access to the data, it is crucial for the application to store the token securely after it has been obtained. This storage is important for future reference, allowing the application to use the token instead of the sensitive data itself. By storing the token, the application can ensure that it has a method to reference the original data without exposing that data in its operations.

Storing the token minimizes risk by ensuring that sensitive information is not handled directly by the application. Instead, the application can operate using the token, which can be mapped back to the original data by the tokenization server when necessary. This practice enhances security by reducing the attack surface and protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access.

In tokenization, every step is critical, but securely storing the token after it is retrieved ensures that the application is ready to utilize it effectively for data access while maintaining compliance and security protocols.