Information Hiding: Steganography and Watermarking

Abstract

Modern information-hiding techniques conceal the existence of communication. The primary facets of information hiding, also known as data hiding, are payload size, robustness to removal, and imperceptibility of the hidden data. In general, digital techniques can be divided into three classes: invisible watermarking, steganography, and embedded data. However, it is desirable for all classes to successfully conceal the hidden information from applicable detectors. Invisible watermarking, generally employed for copyright protection, traitor tracing, and authentication, forgoes a large payload amount for stringent robustness. Steganography, used for covert communication, pursues increased payload size while sacrificing robustness. Embedding information puts little emphasis on either robustness or covertness. In this chapter, we begin by introducing the motivation for information hiding. Following a brief survey of historic and digital examples, we will delineate the classes of information by describing objectives, applications, and terminology. Detection and attacks for these systems will then be outlined, and three representative techniques will be described in depth. Lastly, concluding remarks and suggestions for further reading will be presented.