Anonymizing machine data events

Components of a system for generating anonymized data from timestamped event data are disclosed. The generation of anonymized data is performed in accordance with an anonymization configuration. The anonymization configuration includes information regarding the source of the event data, particulars about the anonymization process that transforms the clear event data from the source into an anonymized form, and particulars about the destination and characteristics for the output dataset. A graphical user interface permits development of anonymization configurations in an interactive, iterative way. The configured anonymizer employs methods and options to produce anonymized data with superior usability as a substitute for real world data, including a mode to effectively emulate live data streams.