Image Steganography using Inverted LSB based on 2nd, 3rd and 4th LSB pattern

Abstract

Steganography is one method of concealing data, research on this topic always aims to improve image quality, message payload and security. The Inverted Least Significant Bit (LSB) method is one technique that can be used to optimize the quality of the steganography method. This study proposes a modified inverted LSB technique. In the previous study the inverted LSB method used a two-bit LSB pattern, on the second bit and the third bit LSB. Based on the calculation pattern the calculation of bit changes in each pattern will determine whether or not the inverted LSB process is performed. This research proposes the use of the LSB three-bit pattern, where the pattern is taken from the second, third and fourth bits of LSB. The aim is to minimize LSB changes in each pixel of the cover image. Based on the tests that have been conducted, it has been proven that the inverted LSB method using three LSB patterns produces better results than the two-bit LSB pattern. Eight of the ten cover images tested, showed the results of an increase in the quality of the stego image. Chaotic map-based message encryption methods are also applied and combined with the LSB inverted method proposed to increase message security.