Data Hiding for Text and Binary Files

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of text-based and binary-based data hiding methods. Text methods, through which secret information is embedded into innocent-looking textual data, are mostly used for steganography. Binary methods are applied to program binary codes: executables and libraries. In binary methods, information is embedded into a binary code so that its functionality is preserved. Data hiding methods for binary codes have been studied intensively to perform watermarking for protecting software from piracy acts. A message can also be embedded into a binary code in a steganographic manner. Another method is also introduced, which is proposed for enhancing the performance of an executable file.