Determining the Number of Bit Encryption That Is Optimum for Image Steganography in 8 Bit Images

Abstract

AbstractThe most challenging task is to hide an image into another without the viewer getting an indication of the presence of secret data while looking at it. The message could be in any form of digital media like text, codes, or images. The paper proposes image steganography using LSB (Least Significant Bit) encryption. This technique can be applied to install secret messages in an 8-digit, 24-bit, or grayscale structure. In our research, 8-bit format has been used. The transmitter encrypts the secret image with respect to cover image to form stego image. Receiver decrypts the encrypted image by dividing 8 bit of secret image into ‘x’ bit of the cover image and ‘8-x’ bit of secret image. The paper has also evaluated the PSNR (Peak Signal to Noise Ratio) of retrieved secret and cover image with respect to its original secret and original cover image. As a result, this paper explains 4-bit encryption is best for the purpose of steganography as PSNR of retrieved images (cover and secret both) is highest here.KeywordsSteganographyImageLSBEncryptionDecryptionPSNR