A Linked List Encryption Scheme for Image Steganography without Embedding

Information steganography has received more and more attention from scholars nowadays,especially in the area of image steganography,which uses image content to transmit information and makes the existence of secret information undetectable.To enhance concealment and security,the Steganography without Embedding(SWE)method has proven effective in avoiding image distortion resulting from cover modification.In this paper,a novel encrypted communication scheme for image SWE is proposed.It reconstructs the image into a multi-linked list structure consisting of numerous nodes,where each pixel is transformed into a single node with data and pointer domains.By employing a special addressing algorithm,the optimal linked list corresponding to the secret information can be identified.The receiver can restore the secretmessage fromthe received image using only the list header position information.The scheme is based on the concept of coverless steganography,eliminating the need for any modifications to the cover image.It boasts high concealment and security,along with a complete message restoration rate,making it resistant to steganalysis.Furthermore,this paper proposes linked-list construction schemeswithin theproposedframework,which caneffectively resist a variety of attacks,includingnoise attacks and image compression,demonstrating a certain degree of robustness.To validate the proposed framework,practical tests and comparisons are conducted using multiple datasets.The results affirm the framework’s commendable performance in terms of message reduction rate,hidden writing capacity,and robustness against diverse attacks.

A Review on the Recent Trends of Image Steganography for VANET Applications

Image steganography is a technique of concealing confidential information within an image without dramatically changing its outside look.Whereas vehicular ad hoc networks(VANETs),which enable vehicles to communicate with one another and with roadside infrastructure to enhance safety and traffic flow provide a range of value-added services,as they are an essential component of modern smart transportation systems.VANETs steganography has been suggested by many authors for secure,reliable message transfer between terminal/hope to terminal/hope and also to secure it from attack for privacy protection.This paper aims to determine whether using steganography is possible to improve data security and secrecy in VANET applications and to analyze effective steganography techniques for incorporating data into images while minimizing visual quality loss.According to simulations in literature and real-world studies,Image steganography proved to be an effectivemethod for secure communication on VANETs,even in difficult network conditions.In this research,we also explore a variety of steganography approaches for vehicular ad-hoc network transportation systems like vector embedding,statistics,spatial domain(SD),transform domain(TD),distortion,masking,and filtering.This study possibly shall help researchers to improve vehicle networks’ability to communicate securely and lay the door for innovative steganography methods.

A Single-Sized Metasurface for Image Steganography and Multi-Key Information Encryption

With the escalating flow of information and digital communication,information security has become an increasingly important issue.Traditional cryptographic methods are being threatened by advancing progress in computing,while physical encryption methods are favored as a viable and compelling avenue.Metasurfaces,which are known for their extraordinary ability to manipulate optical parameters at the nanoscale,exhibit significant potential for the revolution of optical devices,making them a highly promising candidate for optical encryption applications.Here,a single-sized metasurface with four independent channels is proposed for conducting steganography and multi-key information encryption.More specifically,plaintext is transformed into a ciphertext image,which is encoded into a metasurface,while the decryption key is discretely integrated into another channel within the same metasurface.Two different keys for steganographic image unveiling are also encoded into the metasurface and can be retrieved with different channels and spatial positions.This distributed multi-key encryption approach can enhance security,while strategically distributing images across distinct spatial zones serves as an additional measure to reduce the risk of information leakage.This minimalist designed metasurface,with its advantages of high information density and robust security,holds promise across applications including portable encryption,high-camouflaged image display,and high-density optical storage.

An Improved Image Steganography Security and Capacity Using Ant Colony Algorithm Optimization

This advanced paper presents a new approach to improving image steganography using the Ant Colony Optimization(ACO)algorithm.Image steganography,a technique of embedding hidden information in digital photographs,should ideally achieve the dual purposes of maximum data hiding and maintenance of the integrity of the cover media so that it is least suspect.The contemporary methods of steganography are at best a compromise between these two.In this paper,we present our approach,entitled Ant Colony Optimization(ACO)-Least Significant Bit(LSB),which attempts to optimize the capacity in steganographic embedding.The approach makes use of a grayscale cover image to hide the confidential data with an additional bit pair per byte,both for integrity verification and the file checksumof the secret data.This approach encodes confidential information into four pairs of bits and embeds it within uncompressed grayscale images.The ACO algorithm uses adaptive exploration to select some pixels,maximizing the capacity of data embedding whileminimizing the degradation of visual quality.Pheromone evaporation is introduced through iterations to avoid stagnation in solution refinement.The levels of pheromone are modified to reinforce successful pixel choices.Experimental results obtained through the ACO-LSB method reveal that it clearly improves image steganography capabilities by providing an increase of up to 30%in the embedding capacity compared with traditional approaches;the average Peak Signal to Noise Ratio(PSNR)is 40.5 dB with a Structural Index Similarity(SSIM)of 0.98.The approach also demonstrates very high resistance to detection,cutting down the rate by 20%.Implemented in MATLAB R2023a,the model was tested against one thousand publicly available grayscale images,thus providing robust evidence of its effectiveness.

Randomization Strategies in Image Steganography Techniques:A Review

Image steganography is one of the prominent technologies in data hiding standards.Steganographic system performance mostly depends on the embedding strategy.Its goal is to embed strictly confidential information into images without causing perceptible changes in the original image.The randomization strategies in data embedding techniques may utilize random domains,pixels,or region-of-interest for concealing secrets into a cover image,preventing information from being discovered by an attacker.The implementation of an appropriate embedding technique can achieve a fair balance between embedding capability and stego image imperceptibility,but it is challenging.A systematic approach is used with a standard methodology to carry out this study.This review concentrates on the critical examination of several embedding strategies,incorporating experimental results with state-of-the-art methods emphasizing the robustness,security,payload capacity,and visual quality metrics of the stego images.The fundamental ideas of steganography are presented in this work,along with a unique viewpoint that sets it apart from previous works by highlighting research gaps,important problems,and difficulties.Additionally,it offers a discussion of suggested directions for future study to advance and investigate uncharted territory in image steganography.

Image Steganography by Pixel-Value Differencing Using General Quantization Ranges

A new steganographic method by pixel-value differencing(PVD)using general quantization ranges of pixel pairs’difference values is proposed.The objective of this method is to provide a data embedding technique with a range table with range widths not limited to powers of 2,extending PVD-based methods to enhance their flexibility and data-embedding rates without changing their capabilities to resist security attacks.Specifically,the conventional PVD technique partitions a grayscale image into 1×2 non-overlapping blocks.The entire range[0,255]of all possible absolute values of the pixel pairs’grayscale differences in the blocks is divided into multiple quantization ranges.The width of each quantization range is a power of two to facilitate the direct embedding of the bit information with high embedding rates.Without using power-of-two range widths,the embedding rates can drop using conventional embedding techniques.In contrast,the proposed method uses general quantization range widths,and a multiple-based number conversion mechanism is employed skillfully to implement the use of nonpower-of-two range widths,with each pixel pair being employed to embed a digit in the multiple-based number.All the message bits are converted into a big multiple-based number whose digits can be embedded into the pixel pairs with a higher embedding rate.Good experimental results showed the feasibility of the proposed method and its resistance to security attacks.In addition,implementation examples are provided,where the proposed method adopts non-power-of-two range widths and employsmultiple-based number conversion to expand the data-hiding and steganalysis-resisting capabilities of other PVD methods.

A Review of Image Steganography Based on Multiple Hashing Algorithm

Steganography is a technique for hiding secret messages while sending and receiving communications through a cover item.From ancient times to the present,the security of secret or vital information has always been a significant problem.The development of secure communication methods that keep recipient-only data transmissions secret has always been an area of interest.Therefore,several approaches,including steganography,have been developed by researchers over time to enable safe data transit.In this review,we have discussed image steganography based on Discrete Cosine Transform(DCT)algorithm,etc.We have also discussed image steganography based on multiple hashing algorithms like the Rivest–Shamir–Adleman(RSA)method,the Blowfish technique,and the hash-least significant bit(LSB)approach.In this review,a novel method of hiding information in images has been developed with minimal variance in image bits,making our method secure and effective.A cryptography mechanism was also used in this strategy.Before encoding the data and embedding it into a carry image,this review verifies that it has been encrypted.Usually,embedded text in photos conveys crucial signals about the content.This review employs hash table encryption on the message before hiding it within the picture to provide a more secure method of data transport.If the message is ever intercepted by a third party,there are several ways to stop this operation.A second level of security process implementation involves encrypting and decrypting steganography images using different hashing algorithms.

High-Secured Image LSB Steganography Using AVL-Tree with Random RGB Channel Substitution

Random pixel selection is one of the image steganography methods that has achieved significant success in enhancing the robustness of hidden data.This property makes it difficult for steganalysts’powerful data extraction tools to detect the hidden data and ensures high-quality stego image generation.However,using a seed key to generate non-repeated sequential numbers takes a long time because it requires specific mathematical equations.In addition,these numbers may cluster in certain ranges.The hidden data in these clustered pixels will reduce the image quality,which steganalysis tools can detect.Therefore,this paper proposes a data structure that safeguards the steganographic model data and maintains the quality of the stego image.This paper employs the AdelsonVelsky and Landis(AVL)tree data structure algorithm to implement the randomization pixel selection technique for data concealment.The AVL tree algorithm provides several advantages for image steganography.Firstly,it ensures balanced tree structures,which leads to efficient data retrieval and insertion operations.Secondly,the self-balancing nature of AVL trees minimizes clustering by maintaining an even distribution of pixels,thereby preserving the stego image quality.The data structure employs the pixel indicator technique for Red,Green,and Blue(RGB)channel extraction.The green channel serves as the foundation for building a balanced binary tree.First,the sender identifies the colored cover image and secret data.The sender will use the two least significant bits(2-LSB)of RGB channels to conceal the data’s size and associated information.The next step is to create a balanced binary tree based on the green channel.Utilizing the channel pixel indicator on the LSB of the green channel,we can conceal bits in the 2-LSB of the red or blue channel.The first four levels of the data structure tree will mask the data size,while subsequent levels will conceal the remaining digits of secret data.After embedding the bits in the binary tree level by level,the model restores the AVL tree to create the stego image.Ultimately,the receiver receives this stego image through the public channel,enabling secret data recovery without stego or crypto keys.This method ensures that the stego image appears unsuspicious to potential attackers.Without an extraction algorithm,a third party cannot extract the original secret information from an intercepted stego image.Experimental results showed high levels of imperceptibility and security.

Elevating Image Steganography:A Fusion of MSB Matching and LSB Substitution for Enhanced Concealment Capabilities

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of communication technologies,ensuring the secure delivery of sensitive data has become an essential priority.To overcome these difficulties,different steganography and data encryption methods have been proposed by researchers to secure communications.Most of the proposed steganography techniques achieve higher embedding capacities without compromising visual imperceptibility using LSB substitution.In this work,we have an approach that utilizes a combinationofMost SignificantBit(MSB)matching andLeast Significant Bit(LSB)substitution.The proposed algorithm divides confidential messages into pairs of bits and connects them with the MSBs of individual pixels using pair matching,enabling the storage of 6 bits in one pixel by modifying a maximum of three bits.The proposed technique is evaluated using embedding capacity and Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio(PSNR)score,we compared our work with the Zakariya scheme the results showed a significant increase in data concealment capacity.The achieved results of ourwork showthat our algorithmdemonstrates an improvement in hiding capacity from11%to 22%for different data samples while maintaining a minimumPeak Signal-to-Noise Ratio(PSNR)of 37 dB.These findings highlight the effectiveness and trustworthiness of the proposed algorithm in securing the communication process and maintaining visual integrity.

A Novel LSB Steganography Technique for Enhancing Cloud Security

Steganography is a technique that is frequently used to hide hidden information in multimedia artifacts including music, video, and images. In order to protect data saved in the cloud, this paper presents a steganography method for encrypting sound utilizing LSB-based computation. By using the least significant bit (LSB) of a byte to represent a message and then substituting each LSB bit with a binary message and encrypting a significant quantity of data. The proposed system uses the LSB technique of picture steganography, Multi-Level Encryption Algorithm (MLEA) and Two-Level Encryption Algorithm (TLEA) data encryption to give the highest level of cloud security. Compared to other current schemes, the performance of the suggested method is 1.732125% better on average.

Steganography in binary image by checking data-carrying eligibility of boundary pixels

We present a novel scheme for embedding secret data into a binary image without introducing noticeable artifacts. Unlike some block-based methods, the proposed scheme encodes the secret bits directly into boundary pixels by checking each pixel of the cover image in a pseudo-random order for embedding eligibility. A set of rules ensures correct identification of data-carrying pixels in blind extraction. The proposed scheme does not generate isolated dots, and can incorporate various coding methods such as matrix encoding to further improve the embedding performance. It is shown that up to one fourth of the boundary pixels may be used to carry secret data. Experimental results indicate that the method can achieve good visual quality with fairly large data capacity.

Steganographic Technique Capable of Withstanding RQP Analysis

A new steganographic approach for 24 bit color images that can resist the RQP(raw quick pairs) steganalysis is described. The technique is based on modification of color triplets such that the existing color palette is not excessively expanded or even reduced. In this way, numbers of unique colors and pairs of close colors in the image do not rise significantly. This invalidates the RQP analysis. Experimental results are presented to support the argument.

Information hiding with adaptive steganography based on novel fuzzy edge identification

The evolution in communication techniques has created wide threats for crucial information transfer through a communication channel. Covert communication with steganography is a skill of concealing secret information within cover object and hence shields the data theft over rapidly growing network.Recently, diverse steganography techniques using edge identification have been proposed in literature.Numerous methods however utilize certain pixels in the cover image for inserting edge information,resulting in significant deformation. The conventional edge detection method limits the deployment of edge detection in steganography as concealing the information would introduce some variations to the cover image. Hence inserting data in pixel areas recognized by existing conventional edge detection techniques like canny cannot ensure the recognition of the exact edge locations for the cover and stego images. In this paper, an Adaptive steganography method based on novel fuzzy edge identification is proposed. The method proposed is proficient of estimating the precise edge areas of a cover image and also ensures the exact edge location after embedding the secret message. Experimental results reveal that the technique has attained good imperceptibility compared to the Hayat AI-Dmour and Ahmed AIAni Edge XOR method in spatial domain.

A Fusion Steganographic Algorithm Based on Faster R-CNN

The aim of information hiding is to embed the secret message in a normal cover media such as image,video,voice or text,and then the secret message is transmitted through the transmission of the cover media.The secret message should not be damaged on the process of the cover media.In order to ensure the invisibility of secret message,complex texture objects should be chosen for embedding information.In this paper,an approach which corresponds multiple steganographic algorithms to complex texture objects was presented for hiding secret message.Firstly,complex texture regions are selected based on a kind of objects detection algorithm.Secondly,three different steganographic methods were used to hide secret message into the selected block region.Experimental results show that the approach enhances the security and robustness.

A secure image steganography algorithm based on least significant bit and integer wavelet transform

The rapid development of data communication in modern era demands secure exchange of information. Steganography is an established method for hiding secret data from an unauthorized access into a cover object in such a way that it is invisible to human eyes. The cover object can be image, text, audio,or video. This paper proposes a secure steganography algorithm that hides a bitstream of the secret text into the least significant bits（LSBs） of the approximation coefficients of the integer wavelet transform（IWT） of grayscale images as well as each component of color images to form stego-images. The embedding and extracting phases of the proposed steganography algorithms are performed using the MATLAB software. Invisibility, payload capacity, and security in terms of peak signal to noise ratio（PSNR） and robustness are the key challenges to steganography. The statistical distortion between the cover images and the stego-images is measured by using the mean square error（MSE） and the PSNR, while the degree of closeness between them is evaluated using the normalized cross correlation（NCC）. The experimental results show that, the proposed algorithms can hide the secret text with a large payload capacity with a high level of security and a higher invisibility. Furthermore, the proposed technique is computationally efficient and better results for both PSNR and NCC are achieved compared with the previous algorithms.

Analysis and Improvement of Steganography Protocol Based on Bell States in Noise Environment

In the field of quantum communication,quantum steganography is an important branch of quantum information hiding.In a realistic quantum communication system,quantum noises are unavoidable and will seriously impact the safety and reliability of the quantum steganographic system.Therefore,it is very important to analyze the influence of noise on the quantum steganography protocol and how to reduce the effect of noise.This paper takes the quantum steganography protocol proposed in 2010 as an example to analyze the effects of noises on information qubits and secret message qubits in the four primary quantum noise environments.The results show that when the noise factor of one quantum channel noise is known,the size of the noise factor of the other quantum channel can be adjusted accordingly,such as artificially applying noise,so that the influence of noises on the protocol is minimized.In addition,this paper also proposes a method of improving the efficiency of the steganographic protocol in a noisy environment.

Steganography based on wavelet transform and modulus function

In order to provide larger capacity of the hidden secret data while maintaining a good visual quality of stego-image, in accordance with the visual property that human eyes are less sensitive to strong texture, a novel steganographic method based on wavelet and modulus function is presented. First, an image is divided into blocks of prescribed size, and every block is decomposed into one-level wavelet. Then, the capacity of the hidden secret data is decided with the number of wavelet coefficients of larger magnitude. Finally, secret information is embedded by steganography based on modulus function. From the experimental results, the proposed method hides much more information and maintains a good visual quality of stego-image. Besides, the embedded data can be extracted from the stego-image without referencing the original image.

Quantum steganography with a large payload based on dense coding and entanglement swapping of Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger states

A quantum steganography protocol with a large payload is proposed based on the dense coding and the entanglement swapping of the Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger （GHZ） states. Its super quantum channel is formed by building up a hidden channel within the original quantum secure direct communication （QSDC） scheme. Based on the original QSDC, secret messages are transmitted by integrating the dense coding and the entanglement swapping of the GHZ states. The capacity of the super quantum channel achieves six bits per round covert communication, much higher than the previous quantum steganography protocols. Its imperceptibility is good, since the information and the secret messages can be regarded to be random or pseudo-random. Moreover, its security is proved to be reliable.

Dynamic matrix encoding strategy for voice-over-IP steganography

In order to optionally regulate embedding capacity and embedding transparency according to user's requirements in voice-over-IP(VoIP) steganography,a dynamic matrix encoding strategy(DMES) was presented.Differing from the traditional matrix encoding strategy,DMES dynamically chose the size of each message group in a given set of adoptable message sizes.The appearance possibilities of all adoptable sizes were set in accordance with the desired embedding performance(embedding rate or bit-change rate).Accordingly,a searching algorithm that could provide an optimal combination of appearance possibilities was proposed.Furthermore,the roulette wheel algorithm was employed to determine the size of each message group according to the optimal combination of appearance possibilities.The effectiveness of DMES was evaluated in StegVoIP,which is a typical covert communication system based on VoIP.The experimental results demonstrate that DMES can adjust embedding capacity and embedding transparency effectively and flexibly,and achieve the desired embedding performance in any case.For the desired embedding rate,the average errors are not more than 0.000 8,and the standard deviations are not more than 0.002 0;for the desired bit-change rate,the average errors are not more than 0.001 4,and the standard deviations are not more than 0.002 6.

Block-Based Adaptive Image Steganography Using LSB Matching Revisited

Recently, an edge adaptive image stegano- graphic method based on least significant bit （LSB） matching revisited （EA-LSBMR） has been proposed, which holds good visual quality and proper security under appropriate embedding rates. However, from the extensive experiments to EA-LSBMR, we find that the discrete Fourier transform （DFT） spectrum of pixelpairs differences histogram still reveals the presence of a secret message even in a low embedding rate. To enhance the security, a modified scheme is proposed in this paper, which can defeat the above-mentioned analysis and keep the visual quality better than EA-LSBMR in higher embedding rates. Experimental results using a latest universal steganalysis method have demonstrated the proposed method＇s good performance.