Application of bi-orthogonal wavelet transform and genetic algorithm in image steganography

Abstract

The Internet is used for exchanging information. Sometimes it is required to transmit confidential data over the internet. Here the authors use image steganography to embed confidential data within a cover image. To construct the technique, this article combines the help of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Bi-Orthogonal Wavelet Transform (BWT) and Genetic Algorithm (GA). PSO is included to take the enhanced version of the host image. The enhanced version of the host images is more sharp and bright. Bi-Orthogonal Wavelet Transform is included to choose the selective sub-bands of the host image. Genetic Algorithm is used to select the fittest hidden image among a set of hidden images which are created after mutation. Later, the hidden image would produce a confidential password using an innovative technique. Thus an innovative technique of image steganography is introduced to transmit confidential data in a cover image. This combinational approach of image steganography is quite safe for confidential data transmission and really difficult for the attackers to retrieve the confidential data.