Exploiting Modification Direction Research Articles

High Embedding Capacity Data Hiding Technique Based on EMSD and LSB Substitution Algorithms

Data hiding called steganography is a security technique to protect secret data throughout the transmission from malicious attackers. The purposes of steganography are to obtain good stego-image quality, high embedding-capacity, low computational complexity, visual imperceptibility, undetectability, and more security. In this paper, we offer a new hybrid image steganography technique based on least significant bit (LSB) substitution and enhanced modified signed digit (EMSD) algorithms. The proposed algorithm utilizes n adjacent cover image pixels to hide the secret data with EMSD algorithm, and least significant k-bit for LSB substitution algorithm. Hence, it has more embedding capacity than the EMSD algorithm and exploiting modification direction (EMD) based algorithms. We obtain that the stego-image quality is better than 43 dB when the payload is 2.404 bpp. The results of experiment represent that this algorithm ensures high embedding-capacity while preserving acceptable visual stego image quality that can be undetectable by human eyes. Also, the hybrid of the EMSD and LSB substitution algorithms is to difficult for malicious people to consolidate data by scrambling secret data bits.

Secret Image Sharing Scheme Based on Pixel Segmentation Strategy Exploiting Modification Direction (PSSEMD) with High Quality Shadows

Schemes of sharing a secret image are enhanced practically. The secret images are wrapped in cover imageon producing shadow images in this proposed scheme. In sequence,security is attained by means of methods of encryption and decryption while processing of sharing image. In the sharing step, cover image wrapped out the secret image by producing n images of shadow like cover image. This research dedicates a method of Improved Exploiting Modification Direction (IEMD) to conceal confidential data on preserving a high PSNR value. Pixel Segmentation Strategy EMD (PSSEMD) Method is used for wrapping confidential bit on all pixel cover image. the images as secret and cover are rebuilt by Shadow images. Lossless recovery of secret image is enriched by rebuilding the confidential image with lossless whereas by compressing the image before encryption and watermarking. Here Lossless image compression is done with the concern of sensitive information. Then chaotic encryption and decryption method is used for better security during image sharing process. Hence better embedding capacity and better quality in visual are attained in this proposed research results ensuring high security results in term of higher PSNR, lower MSE and higher correlation than the existing methods.

Reversible data hiding based on RSBEMD coding and adaptive multi-segment left and right histogram shifting

By leveraging the secret data coding using the remainder storage based exploiting modification direction (RSBEMD), and the pixel change operation recording based on multi-segment left and right histogram shifting, a novel reversible data hiding (RHD) scheme is proposed in this paper. The secret data are first encoded by some specific pixel change operations to the pixels in groups. After that, multi-segment left and right histogram shifting based on threshold manipulation is implemented for recording the pixel change operations. Furthermore, a multiple embedding policy based on chess board prediction (CBP) and threshold manipulation is put forward, and the threshold can be adjusted to achieve adaptive data hiding. Experimental results and analysis show that it is reversible and can achieve good performance in capacity and imperceptibility compared with the existing methods.

Separable Reversible Data Hiding in Encrypted Image Based on Two-Dimensional Permutation and Exploiting Modification Direction

In this paper, we propose a separable reversible data hiding method in encrypted image (RDHEI) based on two-dimensional permutation and exploiting modification direction (EMD). The content owner uses two-dimensional permutation to encrypt original image through encryption key, which provides confidentiality for the original image. Then the data hider divides the encrypted image into a series of non-overlapping blocks and constructs histogram of adjacent encrypted pixel errors. Secret bits are embedded into a series of peak points of the histogram through EMD. Direct decryption, data extraction and image recovery can be performed separately by the receiver according to the availability of encryption key and data-hiding key. Different from some state-of-the-art RDHEI methods, visual quality of the directly decrypted image can be further improved by the receiver holding the encryption key. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms some state-of-the-art methods in embedding capacity and visual quality.

Enhanced embedding capacity for the SMSD-based data-hiding method

The embedding capacity and stego-image quality are two important features in data-hiding schemes. In 2016, Kuo et al. introduced sparse modified signed-digit (SMSD)-based data hiding that could embed secret data into a group of n cover-pixels. Compared with previous exploiting modification direction (EMD) and generalized EMD (GEMD)-based data hiding, SMSD data hiding has higher embedding capacity and better stego-image quality. In this paper, we introduce a new definition of the enhanced MSD (EMSD) representation and propose an EMSD-based data-hiding scheme that improves the embedding capacity of SMSD data hiding and maintains equal quality of the stego-image. In addition, the embedding capacity in the proposed scheme is further improved using the section-wise approach in EMSD data hiding.

Generalized Scheme Based on Octagon-Shaped Shell for Data Hiding in Steganographic Applications

The exploiting modification direction scheme is a well-known data hiding method because of its high payload and low distortion. Its most criticized drawback is that the secret data must be converted to a non-binary numeral system before the embedding procedure. To overcome this drawback, one study proposed a turtle shell-based scheme for data hiding, in which a reference matrix was constructed based on a hexagon-shaped shell to embed three secret bits into each pixel group of a pair of pixels of the cover image. In a subsequent work, the embedding capacity was increased by using an octagon-shaped shell instead of a hexagon-shaped shell in the reference matrix. The above scheme was extended by utilizing a regular octagon-shaped shell in the reference matrix to reduce the distortion of the worst case. In another approach, the payload of the octagon-shaped-shell-based data hiding scheme was maximized by searching for the appropriate width and height of the octagon. In this study, we generalize the data hiding scheme based on an octagon-shaped shell so that the above-mentioned four schemes can be regarded as specific cases of the proposed method.

Dual-image-based reversible data hiding scheme with integrity verification using exploiting modification direction

In this paper, a novel dual-image-based reversible data hiding scheme using exploiting modification direction (EMD) is proposed. This scheme embeds two 5-base secret digits into each pixel pair of the cover image simultaneously according to the EMD matrix to generate two stego-pixel pairs. By shifting these stego-pixel pairs to the appropriate locations in some cases, two meaningful shadows are produced. The secret data can be extracted accurately, and the cover image can be reconstructed completely in the data extraction and the image reconstruction procedure, respectively. Experimental results show that our scheme outperforms the comparative methods in terms of image quality and embedding ratio. Pixel-value differencing (PVD) histogram analysis reveals that our scheme achieves a higher security. Moreover, a tampered shadow can effectively be detected through the proposed scheme.

Image steganography using exploiting modification direction for compressed encrypted data

Building a balanced relation between image quality and the payload, the robustness of the method in facing electronic attacks and securing data, all the mentioned processes represent the main challenge in steganography. Here, a novel approach to steganography is suggested using Vigenere Cipher and Huffman Coding methods to encrypt and compress the mystery message content. This approach will raise the security and ensure the message content cannot be extracted without earlier knowledge of decrypting rules and the Huffman Dictionary Table. Later, the image is segmented into blocks, size (w*h) groups for each block and with each group having n pixels. Subsequently, the knight tour algorithm and arbitrary function are utilized to select which blocks and groups can be used to conceal the mystery digit within a specific pixel in the group randomly. This is to address the weakness of the Exploiting Modification Direction (EMD) technique that uses a serial selection to enhance the robustness of the suggested scheme. The EMD technique is then utilized to insert the mystery digits inside a specific pixel. Later, the chi-square method is employed to apply statistical attacks on the stego-image to estimate the suggested scheme robustness. The empirical outcomes show that the suggested scheme is more efficient compared to the old Steganography schemes with respect to Imperceptibility by PSNR of 55.71 dB, the Payload of 52,400 bytes and the robustness.

Hardware-based application of data security system using general modified secured diamond encoding embedding approach for enhancing imperceptibility and authentication

As today’s world are switching to the digital media through the Internet and multimedia tools like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and WhatsApp which consists of a number of videos, hence it always better to take urgent problems of such digitally transmitted video in terms of information security. The current video steganography approach is not so effective for imperceptibility, robustness, security of hidden secret data, embedding capacity and very good visual recovery of a secret as well as original data. Hence, to maintain the balance between these issues is another big challenge. This work employs a novel and efficient Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) implementation of audio, video crypto steganography using General Modified Secured Diamond Encoding (GMSDE) scheme. The new proposed scheme is based on Diamond Encoding (DE), Exploiting Modification Direction (EMD) and Adaptive Pixel Pairing Matching (APPM) algorithms called as General Modified Secured Diamond Encoding (GMSDE). The DE method is always used for k > 1 which produces distortion, less embedding capacity and security of hidden data. The GMSDE scheme changed the Diamond Characteristic Value (DCV) to conceal more than one secret bit vertically and horizontally to create a modified diamond shape of secret data which is equal to log2(2x2 + 6x + 5) - ary and produces the conceal capacity of 1.16 to 4.82 bpp for the values of x = 0 to 25 where x is the embedding parameter. Experimental results confirm that the conceal capacity measured by bit per pixel (bpp), security of hidden secret data, very good visual recovery of both original and secret data, Cross-Correlation (CC) and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) values are better than existing approaches. Further through many attacks on stego video during transmission using forensic detection approach, the imperceptibility, security of hidden data and robustness is increased for secure communication.

Extended squared magic matrix for embedding secret information with large payload

Data hiding is a technology designed for safely transmitting secret data through open communication channels, in which the secret data are embedded into a cover carrier imperceptibly. Among the existing data hiding schemes, the exploiting-modification-direction (EMD) based schemes draw considerable attentions due to large embedding capacity. The proposed scheme improves the EMD-2 scheme by constructing an extended squared magic matrix, resulting in a larger embedding capacity high up to 3.15 bits per pixel (bpp). Experimental results show that the proposed scheme outperforms state-of-the-art reference matrix based schemes in terms of embedding capacity, meanwhile, maintains good image quality.

Generalize the EMD scheme on an n-dimensional hypercube with maximum payload

Data hiding is concerned with hiding secret data in cover media without raising suspicion about the existence of such information. In 2006, Zhang and Wang proposed a novel efficient steganographic method by exploiting modification direction (EMD). The EMD scheme provides little distortion and good stego-image quality. Then Kieu and Chang improved the EMD scheme by using eight modification directions for embedding more secret data at a time, and achieves payload with 4.5 bpp. In this study, a generalize EMD scheme is proposed based on an n-dimensional hypercube. It provides more higher payload. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves payload with 4.75 bpp, which is better than any other published works while keeps good visual quality.

Novel high-speed reconfigurable FPGA architectures for EMD-based image steganography

Exploiting modification direction (EMD)-based image steganography algorithm has higher embedding efficiency, low distortion, and best security that finds application in secure communication, data protection, access control in digital content distribution, etc., EMD steganography encapsulates secret digit represented in (2n + 1)-ary notational system by increasing or decreasing one of the n cover pixels by one. New high-speed reconfigurable architectures and field programmable gate array (FPGA) implementation of EMD based image steganography algorithms have been proposed. Although, earlier work on FPGA implementation of steganography algorithms offer higher speed, low chip area, and better throughput it usually operates on a fixed number of pixels. The proposed system works well for both arbitrary numbers of pixel groups and variable image resolution. The developed system is capable of embedding a secret message from two to eight-pixel groups with an image resolution of 512 × 512 pixels at a real-time video rate of 549 frames/s.. The complete design is implemented using RTL compliant Verilog code which fits into a single FPGA/ASIC chip with a gate density of two million gates.

Enhance embedding capacity for switch map based multi-group EMD data hiding.

Exploiting Modification Direction (EMD) based data hiding achieves good stego-image quality and high security level. Recently, a section-wise EMD was proposed to enhance the embedding capacity of EMD. Later, Wang et al. introduced a switch map based multi-group EMD to further improve the embedding capacity. However, by a detail observation on the switch map in Wang et al.'s scheme, we find that more codewords with longer code-length can be put into the switch map. In this paper, we build a new switch map by Huffman code, and construct an enhanced multi-group EMD using Huffman code based switch map. Our scheme has higher embedding capacity than Wang et al.'s scheme and other EMD based data hiding methods.

Information security model using data embedding technique for enhancing perceptibility and robustness

Information concealing using steganography is simple, but to maintain its security, perceptibility, robustness, embedding capacity and better recovery of both covers as well as secret data are the major issues. This paper is focused on the improvement in all these major issues. The proposed technique embedded the image and audio as secret data into the randomly selected frames of the video using multi frame exploiting modification direction (MFEMD) algorithm. Hence, it is very difficult to understand in which part of video, data is hidden. At the receiver end, we have used the forensic tool for authentication to improve the data security. Furthermore the obtained simulation results are found to be better than any other existing methods in terms of good visual recovery of both original video and secret data, embedding capacity, security of hidden secret data. Different types of attacks are applied on stego video during transmission like visual, chi-square, histogram, etc. to improve the perceptibility and robustness of secret data.

Information security model using data embedding technique for enhancing perceptibility and robustness

Information concealing using steganography is simple, but to maintain its security, perceptibility, robustness, embedding capacity and better recovery of both covers as well as secret data are the major issues. This paper is focused on the improvement in all these major issues. The proposed technique embedded the image and audio as secret data into the randomly selected frames of the video using multi frame exploiting modification direction (MFEMD) algorithm. Hence, it is very difficult to understand in which part of video, data is hidden. At the receiver end, we have used the forensic tool for authentication to improve the data security. Furthermore the obtained simulation results are found to be better than any other existing methods in terms of good visual recovery of both original video and secret data, embedding capacity, security of hidden secret data. Different types of attacks are applied on stego video during transmission like visual, chi-square, histogram, etc. to improve the perceptibility and robustness of secret data.

An adaptive reversible data hiding scheme using dual stego-image

ABSTRACT To enhance the embedding capacity and restore the cover images without any distortion, a reversible data hiding technique which hides secret data into two identical images simultaneously is proposed. With regard to the Exploiting Modification Direction (EMD) based techniques, irreversible data hiding technique hides at least 1 bpp and the resulting PSNR of stego-images is about 45 dB. The EMD-based reversible data hiding techniques adopt two cover images to hides base-5 numerals and the resulting PSNR value of stego-images is about 45–47 dB. This paper proposes a reversible data hiding scheme based on the Adaptive Exploiting Modification Direction (AEMD) formula to adjust the embedding capacity and image quality. We can manipulate an adjustable parameter to gain a higher image quality or a larger embedding capacity, depending on various demands of users. The experimental results show that the proposed scheme achieves a higher image quality with the same embedding capacity compared with previous methods.

Digital Image Steganography Using LSB Substitution, PVD, and EMD

To protect from pixel difference histogram (PDH) analysis and RS analysis, two hybrid image steganography techniques by appropriate combination of LSB substitution, pixel value differencing (PVD), and exploiting modification directions (EMD) have been proposed in this paper. The cover image is traversed in raster scan order and partitioned into blocks. The first technique operates on 2 × 2 pixel blocks and the second technique operates on 3 × 3 pixel blocks. For each block, the average pixel value difference, d, is calculated. If d value is greater than 15, the block is in an edge area, so a combination of LSB substitution and PVD is applied. If d value is less than or equal to 15, the block is in a smooth area, so a combination of LSB substitution and EMD is applied. Each of these two techniques exists in two variants (Type 1 and Type 2) with respect to two different range tables. The hiding capacities and PSNR of both the techniques are found to be improved. The results from experiments prove that PDH analysis and RS analysis cannot detect these proposed techniques.

A novel quantum image steganography algorithm based on exploiting modification direction

Quantum image steganography is the art and science of hiding secret information into quantum carrier images. This paper proposes a novel quantum image steganography algorithm based on an efficient embedding technique of exploiting modification direction. For convenience, this embedding technique is referred to the EMD embedding. In the EMD embedding, it is clear that each carrier pixel-group of the carrier image contains N pixels and each secret digit of secret information belongs to the (2N + 1)-ary notational system, where N is a system parameter. The embedding process is that at most only one pixel of the carrier pixel-group will be either increased by 1 or decreased by 1. The new algorithm takes advantage of the EMD embedding owning high embedding efficiency that the (2N + 1) different modifications to N carrier pixels represent the value of the secret digit. In addition, designing the dedicated quantum circuit for the EMD embedding contributes to better understanding the process of the new algorithm. Experimental simulation based on MATLAB shows that the new algorithm has good performance on imperceptibility, security, embedding efficiency and embedding capacity.

Efficient Scheme for Secret Hiding in QR Code by Improving Exploiting Modification Direction

Efficient Scheme for Secret Hiding in QR Code by Improving Exploiting Modification Direction

Efficient Information Hiding Based on Theory of Numbers

Data hiding is an efficient technique that conceals secret data into a digital medium. In 2006, Zhang and Wang proposed a data hiding scheme called exploiting modification direction (EMD) which has become a milestone in the field of data hiding. In recent years, many EMD-type data hiding schemes have been developed, but their embedding capacity remains restricted. In this paper, a novel data hiding scheme based on the combination of Chinese remainder theorem (CRT) and a new extraction function is proposed. By the proposed scheme, the cover image is divided into non-overlapping pixel groups for embedding to increase the embedding capacity. Experimental results show that the embedding capacity of the proposed scheme is significantly higher (greater than 2.5 bpp) than previously proposed schemes while ensuring very good visual quality of the stego image. In addition, security analysis is given to show that the proposed scheme can resist visual attack.