What is a mask used for? What is a format used for? Which can affect the way that data is stored?

Mask is the process of replacing and changing the sensitive information and data element from the stored data so, the given structure in the data remain the same while the data itself change for protecting the sensitive information or data in the system.

This process is commonly known as data masking. The main purpose of mask is that it protecting the information or data.

Format is the process of specify the bits for using in the digital storage and it is mainly used for encoding the information and data. It basically designed for formatting the document so that it can store in the media with the proper format in the computer system.