Steganography Techniques

Steganography refers to the art of hiding data “behind” other data without the knowledge of the victim. Thus, steganography hides the existence of a message. It replaces bits of unused data into ordinary files, such as graphics, sound, text, audio, and video with other surreptitious bits. The hidden data can be in the form of plaintext or ciphertext, and sometimes, an image.

Utilizing a graphic image as a cover is the most popular method to conceal the data in files. Unlike encryption, the detection of steganography can be challenging. Thus, steganography techniques are widely used for malicious purposes. For example, attackers can hide a keylogger inside a legitimate image; thus, when the victim clicks on the image, the keylogger captures the victim’s keystrokes. Attackers also use steganography to hide information when encryption is not feasible. In terms of security, it hides the file in an encrypted format, so that even if the attacker decrypts it, the message will remain hidden. Attackers can insert information such as source code for a hacking tool, a list of compromised servers, plans for future attacks, communication and coordination channels, etc.

Steganography is the art and science of writing hidden messages in such a way that no one other than the intended recipient knows of the existence of the message. The increasing use of electronic file formats with new technologies has made data hiding possible. Basic steganography can be broken down into two areas: data hiding and document making. Document making deals with protection against removal. Its further classifications of cover medium include watermarking and fingerprinting.

Steganography Techniques Covered in the Learning Path:

• Image Steganography
• Web Steganography