Enhanced image steganalysis through reinforcement learning and generative adversarial networks

Abstract

With the surging prominence of digital communication platforms, there has been an intensified emphasis on ensuring robust security and privacy measures. Against this backdrop, image steganalysis has emerged as a critical discipline, employing advanced methods to detect clandestine data within image files. At the core of our research is an innovative exploration into image steganalysis using an amalgamation of enhanced reinforcement learning techniques and online data augmentation. This methodology ensures the meticulous identification of concealed data within images. Our design integrates triple parallel dilated convolutions, enabling concurrent extraction of feature vectors from the input images. Once extracted, these vectors are synthesized, paving the way for subsequent classification tasks. To substantiate the efficacy of our approach, we conducted tests on a comprehensive dataset sourced from BossBase 1.01. Furthermore, to discern the influence of transfer learning on our proposed model, the BOWS dataset was employed. Notably, these datasets present a challenge due to its inherent imbalance. To counteract this, we incorporated an advanced Reinforcement Learning (RL) framework. Herein, the dataset samples are envisioned as states in a sequence of interrelated decisions, with the neural network playing the role of the decision-making agent. This agent is then incentivized or reprimanded based on its accuracy in discerning between the minority and majority classes. To bolster our classification capabilities, we innovatively employed data augmentation using images generated by a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN). Concurrently, a regularization mechanism was instituted to alleviate prevalent GAN-related challenges, such as mode collapse and unstable training dynamics. Our experimental outcomes underscore the potency of our methodology. The results highlight a remarkable capability to discern between pristine and steganographic images, registering an average accuracy rate of 85%.