CNN based “Text in Image” Steganography using Slice Encryption Algorithm and LWT

Abstract

This paper proposes CNN based “text in image” steganography using slice encryption algorithm and LWT technique. Generally, cryptography and steganography techniques are used to achieve the covert communication. However, these techniques may not provide good security to the secret data individually. This paper brings the solution by the combination of cryptography, steganography and eight layer CNN. The slice encryption algorithm generates a less length effective ciphertext when compared to the actual length of the readable secret data. This is because; the algorithm uses unique data conversion (DC) and “gray-code” techniques. Next, the new architecture of eight layer CNN is used to generate the feature map in such a way that it accepts the high capacity of ciphertext. Finally, two-level LWT provides the sufficient number of sub-bands which helps to generate high perceptual quality of stego image and good quality metric values. The experimental results shown that the stego image generated from proposed framework have good quality metric values for various payload capacities when compared to existing methods. Finally, the stego image generated with these combinations (Slice, CNN & LWT) yields more payload capacity, high perceptual quality, good quality metric values and can able to withstand for various attacks.