A Blind Data Hiding Technique with Error Correction Abilities and a High Embedding Payload

Abstract

Least significant bit (LSB) embedding is a simple steganographic technique used in the spatial domain that involvesreplacing the LSB of each pixel in the cover work with the information bits being hidden to achieve informationsecrecy. However, considering the current prevalence of information theft and sabotage, the stego image producedusing LSB embedding cannot prevent malicious illegal acts. Therefore, this study proposes a blind data hidingtechnique that combines block-coded modulation (BCM) codes with LSB embedding. The proposed method not onlyprovides error correction capabilities to prevent errors during the extraction process, but also has a superiorembedding payload. The peak signal noise ratio (PSNR) exceeds 40 dB by using our proposed method. Regardingthe simulation results, the proposed method provides a superior PSNR compared to LSB embedding and a higherembedding payload than that offered by other steganographic techniques with error correction capabilities.