Enhanced Bandwidth Utilization in Image Steganography with Enhanced Data Security

Abstract

this paper, a new method is proposed for image steganography that involves double encryption as well as compression of a message followed by its subsequent hiding in a digital image. In the first instance, original data is encrypted using flexible matrix. Further, encrypted data is encrypted and compressed using Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT) for extra layer of security and increased the data hiding capacity. The proposed method enhances bandwidth utilization besides ensuring three layered security to the message. The underlying principle of this method involves decomposition of each image-pixel into two blocks. One block is called Parity Reflecting Block (PRB) whereas other is known as Pixel Adjustment Block (PAB). The information about hidden bit is reflected by parity condition in the Parity Reflecting Block. The Pixel Adjustment Block is used to perform local pixel adjustment in order to reduce the degradation effect in the cover image produced as a result of alteration in the moderate bit. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated in terms of Image Quality Measures (IQM) including Mean Square Error (MSE), Peak- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), Entropy, Correlation, Mean Value and Standard Deviation. Security analysis is also carried by comparing the histograms of the cover and stego- images. The results of this study are quite promising.