“Multi-Format Steganography and Secure Communication"

A PROJECT WORK PHASE-1 REPORT SUBMITTED TO

THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING, MYSURU

(AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTION UNDER VTU)

In partial fulfilment of the requirements for project work phase – 11

Bachelor of Engineering in
Computer Science and Engineering
Submitted by:
MADAN C N (4NI20CS046)
D SUNIL KUMAR (4NI20CS027)
JAGADISH N (4NI20CS042)
JEEVAN N M (4NI20CS044)

Under the guidance of

Mahe Mubeen Akhtar
Assistant Professor Department of
CS&ENIE, Mysuru-570008

Department of Computer Science and Engineering

The National Institute of Engineering
(Autonomous Institution under VTU)
Manandavadi Road, Mysuru-570 008
2023-2024
 DEPARTMENTOFCOMPUTERSCIENCEANDENGINEERING
THENATIONALINSTITUTEOFENGINEERING

CERTIFICATE

This is to Certify that the project work entitled "Multi-Format Steganography and Secure
Communication” is a Bonafede work carried out by MADAN C N (4NI20CS046), D SUNIL KUMAR
(4NI20CS027), JAGADISH N (4NI20CS042), JEEVAN N M (4NI20CS044) in partial
fulfilment for project work – I, seventh semester, Computer Science and Engineering, The National
Institute of Engineering (Autonomous under VTU) during the academic year 2022 – 2023. It is certified
that all corrections and suggestions indicated for the Internal Assessment have been incorporated in the
report deposited in the department library. The project work Phase– 1 report has been approved in partial
fulfilment as per academic regulations of The National Institute of Engineering, Mysore.

Internal Guide Professor & Head Co-Examiner

……………………………… …………………………….. ..…………………

…….
( Mahe Mubeen Akhtar ) (Dr. Anitha R) (Dr.C.VidyaRaj)

Assistant Professor Professor & Head Professor

Dept of CS&E Dept of CS&E Dept of CS&E
NIE,Mysuru NIE,Mysuru NIE,Mysuru
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The satisfaction that accompanies the successful completion of any task would be incomplete without
the mention of people whose ceaseless cooperation made it possible and whose constant guidance and
encouragement crown all efforts.

First and foremost, we would like to thank our beloved principal Dr. Rohini Nagapadma for being the
patron and the beacon light for this project.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our HOD Dr.Anitha R, HOD, Department of CSE,
NIE for her relentless support and encouragement.

It gives us immense pleasure to thank our guide Mahe Mubeen Akhtar, Assistant Professor,
Department of CSE, NIE and our co-examiner Ramesh G, Professor, Department of CSE, NIE for their
valuable suggestions and guidance during the process of the seminar and for having permitted us to
pursue work on the subject.

MADAN C N (4NI20CS046)
D SUNIL KUMAR (4NI20CS027)
JAGADISH N (4NI20CS042)
JEEVAN N M (4NI20CS044)
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
In the rapidly advancing landscape of digital communication, the imperative for safeguarding
sensitive information has never been more critical. Our project, titled "Multi-Format Steganography and
Secure Communication," responds to this pressing need by embarking on a comprehensive exploration
of advanced steganography techniques. The overarching goal is to fortify secure data transmission by
developing innovative methods that conceal confidential information within an array of multimedia
formats, including images, audio, video, and text files.

The contemporary emphasis on protecting private data necessitates discreet methods for sharing
sensitive information. Within this context, our project aims to contribute cutting-edge solutions to the
challenge of concealing sensitive information across diverse multimedia platforms. The art of
steganography involves embedding data in a manner that remains imperceptible to anyone scrutinizing
multimedia content. By achieving this imperceptibility, we introduce an additional layer of security,
ensuring that the concealed data remains undetectable to casual observers.

Our project's core objectives are centered on creating novel techniques that enhance data
confidentiality and facilitate secure communication. The proposed system integrates four distinct
steganography methods—Image Steganography, Audio Steganography, Video Steganography, and Text
Steganography—providing a multifaceted and comprehensive approach to securing communication
channels. Through the seamless fusion of these methods, our project endeavors to establish a
sophisticated framework for concealing sensitive information effectively.

With a focus on practical implementation, our project utilizes common software tools such as
Python, Jupyter, and Visual Studio Code, ensuring accessibility and ease of integration. The chosen
hardware requirements are designed to accommodate the project's computational needs efficiently, with
an emphasis on modern processors and sufficient memory for optimal performance.

Rigorous testing and validation form the cornerstone of our project's methodology, ensuring that
the developed steganography methods not only meet but exceed security standards. Through these
efforts, our project aspires to contribute not only to the advancement of secure communication practices
but also to the broader discourse on data security in the contemporary digital landscape.

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CHAPTER 2
SYSTEM ANALYSIS

2.1 Literature Survey:

2.1.1 Research Papers on Existing System:

In examining the landscape of steganography and secure communication, various research papers
have provided invaluable insights into the advancements and challenges in the field. One such notable
paper by R. Sindhu and P. Singh [1] titled "Information Hiding using Steganography" has laid a
foundation for understanding the application of steganography in the realm of secure communication.
The paper explores methods of concealing information within multimedia files and underscores the
importance of imperceptibility to casual observers.

Another significant contribution to literature is the work by A. Johnson et al. [2] on "Advancements
in Audio Steganography Techniques." This research delves into innovative approaches to embedding
data within audio files, highlighting the complexities and nuances specific to this format. The study
explores frequency domain techniques and their effectiveness in ensuring both security and
imperceptibility.

Furthermore, the research by K. Patel and S. Gupta [3] titled "Hybrid Steganography: Integrating
Techniques for Enhanced Security" has provided insights into combining multiple steganographic
methods. By leveraging a hybrid approach, this research aims to enhance the robustness and security of
concealed information across diverse multimedia formats.

These research papers collectively underscore the dynamic nature of steganography and its pivotal
role in ensuring secure communication. The literature survey reveals the evolving methodologies,
challenges, and novel techniques that researchers have employed to address the complexities inherent in
hiding information within multimedia content. This synthesis of existing knowledge serves as a crucial
foundation for our project, informing our approach to developing advanced multi-format steganography
techniques.

In summary, the literature survey highlights the contributions of various researchers in advancing
the field of steganography and secure communication. By understanding the nuances of existing systems,
our project aims to build upon these foundations, introducing innovative methods that further enhance
the security and imperceptibility of concealed data.

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2.1.2. Existing system:

The existing systems in the domain of steganography and secure communication have laid the
groundwork for understanding the challenges and advancements in concealing sensitive information
within various multimedia formats. Several noteworthy systems and methodologies have contributed to
the evolving landscape of secure communication.

One significant aspect of the existing systems involves image steganography. Methods such as LSB
(Least Significant Bit) embedding have been widely employed to embed data within the least significant
bits of pixel values in digital images. While effective, these methods may have limitations in terms of
capacity and susceptibility to certain attacks.

Audio steganography, another crucial facet, focuses on concealing information within audio files.
Existing systems often leverage techniques such as frequency domain transformations to embed data
within the frequency components of audio signals. These methods aim to ensure that the embedded
information remains imperceptible to the human ear.

Video steganography extends the principles of image steganography to multimedia content. Techniques
involve manipulating video frames to embed data while maintaining the visual integrity of the video.
The challenge lies in concealing information within the video stream without introducing noticeable
artifacts.

Text steganography methods focus on concealing information within textual data. Techniques include
modifying the formatting, structure, or linguistic aspects of text to encode hidden information. While
less perceptible compared to multimedia steganography, these methods require careful consideration to
maintain readability and naturalness.

Hybrid steganography systems integrate multiple techniques across different formats, aiming to leverage
the strengths of each method. These systems address the limitations of individual steganographic
approaches, enhancing overall security and imperceptibility.

While existing systems have made significant strides in secure communication through steganography,
challenges persist. Capacity limitations, robustness against attacks, and the need for continuous
innovation are areas that demand attention. Our project, "Multi-Format Steganography and Secure
Communication," builds upon the foundations laid by these existing systems. By integrating multiple
steganographic methods across diverse multimedia formats, our project aims to address the limitations
of individual systems and contribute to the advancement of secure communication practices in the digital
era.
3
2.1.2. Proposed System:

The proposed system, "Multi-Format Steganography and Secure Communication," aims to address the
limitations of existing steganography systems and elevate the standard of secure communication.
Building upon the foundation laid by current methodologies, our project introduces innovative
techniques and a comprehensive approach that spans image, audio, video, and text steganography.

In the realm of image steganography, our proposed system employs advanced techniques beyond
traditional LSB embedding. Leveraging frequency domain transformations and spatial domain methods,
we aim to enhance the capacity and security of concealing information within images. The system
focuses on imperceptibility to human observers while ensuring robustness against potential attacks.

For audio steganography, our project integrates state-of-the-art frequency domain techniques with novel
approaches to embed data seamlessly within audio files. The goal is to surpass the limitations of existing
systems, providing increased capacity and heightened security. Additionally, the system incorporates
methods to counteract potential attacks on the concealed data within audio signals.

Video steganography in our proposed system extends beyond frame manipulation. We explore
innovative methods to embed data throughout the video stream, ensuring imperceptibility and
maintaining the overall visual integrity of the video content. The system emphasizes a balance between
capacity, security, and visual quality.

Text steganography in our system involves refining existing methods and introducing linguistic and
semantic approaches to conceal information within textual data. By leveraging advanced natural
language processing techniques, we aim to enhance the imperceptibility of the concealed information
while maintaining readability and coherence.

A significant aspect of our proposed system is the integration of these diverse steganographic methods
into a cohesive and adaptive framework. The hybrid approach aims to capitalize on the strengths of each
technique, creating a robust system that ensures secure communication across multiple formats. The
system also emphasizes adaptability to evolving security challenges, making it resilient against emerging
threats.

Through extensive testing, validation, and iterative refinement, our proposed system aspires to set new
standards in multi-format steganography, contributing to the advancement of secure communication
practices in the digital landscape. By addressing the limitations of existing systems and introducing
innovative techniques, our project aims to provide a comprehensive and effective solution for concealing
sensitive information in the modern era.
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2.1.3. Advantages of Proposed System:

1. Enhanced Security: The proposed system integrates advanced steganography techniques across
multiple formats, providing a more robust and secure communication framework compared to existing
systems.

2. Multi-Format Integration: By incorporating image, audio, video, and text steganography, the
system offers a comprehensive solution, accommodating diverse multimedia formats for data
concealment.

3. Increased Capacity: Leveraging innovative methods in each steganographic domain, the proposed
system aims to maximize data-hiding capacity, allowing for more information to be concealed within
the multimedia content.

4. Adaptive Hybrid Approach: The hybrid steganography approach ensures adaptability to evolving
security challenges. By combining the strengths of different techniques, the system remains resilient
against emerging threats.

5. Improved Imperceptibility: Advanced frequency domain transformations and spatial domain

methods contribute to better imperceptibility, making the concealed data less noticeable to human
observers.

6. Counteraction of Attacks: The system incorporates measures to counteract potential attacks on

concealed data, enhancing the overall security and robustness of the communication channel.

7. Natural Language Processing (NLP) Integration: In text steganography, the integration of NLP
techniques enhances the naturalness and coherence of concealed information, improving the readability
of the text while maintaining security.

8. Balanced Trade-off: The system strikes a balance between capacity, security, and visual/audio
quality, ensuring an optimal trade-off for effective and covert communication.

9. Comprehensive Testing and Validation: Through extensive testing and validation processes, the
proposed system aims to guarantee its effectiveness and reliability in real-world scenarios, instilling
confidence in its practical application.

10. Contributions to Advancements: By addressing the limitations of existing systems and introducing
innovative methodologies, the proposed system contributes to the ongoing advancements in multi-
format steganography and secure communication practices.

5
2.2 System Requirements:
2.2.1 Hardware Requirements:

1. Processor: A modern processor, preferably an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, to handle

computational demands efficiently.

2. Memory (RAM): Minimum 8 GB RAM for smooth execution of steganography algorithms,

encryption processes, and other computational tasks.

3. Storage: At least 20 GB of free disk space to accommodate software installations, project files, and
multimedia datasets.

4. Operating System: Compatible with Windows 10 or macOS for a versatile development

environment.

5. Display: A standard display with a resolution that supports the development and testing of
steganography techniques.

6. Input Devices: Keyboard and mouse for interaction with development tools and software.

7. Internet Connection: An internet connection for accessing necessary resources, libraries, and
updates during development.

8. Existing Hardware Resources: Leveraging the existing hardware resources of project team members
to minimize additional costs.

9. Backup System: Implementation of a backup system or external storage for securing project data and
ensuring data integrity.

These hardware requirements are outlined to provide a stable and efficient environment for the
development, testing, and validation phases of the proposed system. They are designed to be accessible
and compatible with common hardware configurations while accommodating the computational needs
of steganography and secure communication processes.

6
 2.2.2 Software Requirements:
1. Operating System: Windows 10 or macOS for a compatible and widely used development
environment.

2. Development Environment: Python as the primary programming language for implementing

steganography techniques and other functionalities.

3. Integrated Development Environment (IDE): Jupiter for interactive and collaborative

development. Visual Studio Code (VSCode) for a versatile and feature-rich coding environment.

4. Python Libraries: Utilization of relevant Python libraries, such as Crypto for encryption algorithms
and other steganography libraries, to enhance the system's functionality.

5. Multimedia Processing Libraries: Libraries for image, audio, and video processing, ensuring
effective implementation of steganography across diverse formats.

6. Security Tools: Integration of security tools and libraries to enhance robustness and resistance against
potential attacks.

7. Version Control: Git for version control, facilitating collaborative development, and tracking
changes in the project.

8. Communication and Documentation Tools: Tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or other
communication platforms for team collaboration. Documentation tools like Microsoft Word or LaTeX
for creating project documentation.

9. Internet Browser: A standard internet browser for accessing online resources, documentation, and
research papers.

10. Dependency Management: Use of dependency management tools like pip or Conda to streamline
the installation and management of project dependencies.

11. Testing and Validation Tools: Tools for rigorous testing and validation, ensuring the security and
functionality of the implemented steganography methods.

These software requirements are selected to provide a comprehensive development environment for
the proposed system. They facilitate efficient coding, testing, and collaboration among team members
while ensuring compatibility with the chosen hardware configuration. The use of widely adopted tools
and libraries contributes to a smooth development process and enhances the overall effectiveness of the
proposed system.
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CHAPTER 3

SYSTEM DESIGN DETAILS

3.1 System Architecture:

Fig 3.1 Audio steganography

Fig 3.2 Text steganography

8
Fig 3.3 Fig 3.1 Image steganography

Fig 3.4 Video steganography

9
 The system architecture for a multi-format steganography project aimed at secure communication
involves a layered approach to conceal information within various types of media formats.
Steganography is the practice of hiding secret messages within non-secret data to avoid detection. In this
context, the project seeks to embed sensitive information across multiple types of media, such as images,
audio, and video, enhancing the security and diversity of communication channels.

At the core of the architecture is a modular embedding and extraction engine, responsible for
concealing and revealing information. This engine interfaces with format-specific modules designed to
handle image, audio, and video steganography. Each module includes algorithms tailored to the
characteristics of the respective media format, ensuring seamless integration and optimal concealment.

The architecture employs encryption techniques to secure the hidden information, making it
accessible only to authorized parties with the corresponding decryption keys. This enhances the overall
security of the communication process by combining the obfuscation capabilities of steganography with
the cryptographic strength of encryption.

A key component is the user interface, facilitating user-friendly interaction with the system. Users
can specify the type of media and customize encryption parameters, making the system adaptable to
different security requirements. The architecture also includes a secure key management system to
safeguard encryption keys, preventing unauthorized access to concealed information.

To address potential detection efforts, the system incorporates anti-steganalysis measures, including
noise injection and randomized embedding techniques. These countermeasures aim to thwart statistical
analysis and pattern recognition algorithms that adversaries may employ to uncover hidden data.

In summary, the multi-format steganography system architecture integrates a modular

embedding/extraction engine with format-specific modules, encryption mechanisms, user interface, and
anti-steganalysis measures. This approach ensures robust security and adaptability across various media
formats, making it a comprehensive solution for secure communication through concealed information.

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3.2 Sequence Diagram:

Fig 3.2.1 Sequence Diagram

A sequence diagram is a visual representation used in Unified Modeling Language (UML) to

illustrate the dynamic behavior of a system during a specific interaction or use case. It depicts
the sequence of messages exchanged between various objects or components over time,
providing a clear depiction of the order in which these interactions occur. Lifelines, represented
by vertical dashed lines, signify the entities or objects involved, spanning the duration of their
existence during the interaction. Activation bars on lifelines indicate the active processing or
response periods. Messages, depicted as arrows, showcase the flow of communication,
distinguishing between synchronous and asynchronous interactions. Return messages highlight
the subsequent control and data flow back to the sender. Interaction fragments, such as loops
or alternatives, enable the representation of conditional or repetitive behavior within the
sequence. External entities or actors are illustrated at the top, showcasing their roles in the
sequence. Overall, sequence diagrams offer a powerful tool for understanding the temporal
dynamics and collaboration between objects in a system, aiding in the analysis and design of
complex software systems.

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3.2 Use Case Diagram:

Fig 3.2.2 Use Case Diagram

In the use case diagram for a multi-format steganography system, various actors interact with the
system through defined use cases, outlining the functionalities and interactions that encapsulate the
concealment and extraction of information across different media formats. The "User" actor engages
with the system by employing use cases like "Embed Information in Image," "Embed Information in
Audio," and "Embed Information in Video," reflecting the diversity of media formats available for
steganographic purposes. Additionally, the encryption-related use cases, namely "Encrypt Information"
and "Decrypt Information," underscore the security measures implemented to safeguard sensitive data
during the embedding and extraction processes.

Meanwhile, the "Administrator" actor oversees the system's overall functionality, utilizing use cases
such as "Manage User Permissions" to control access and permissions for different users. The strategic
inclusion of "Anti-Steganalysis Measures" as a use case highlights the system's commitment to
countering detection efforts, incorporating techniques like noise injection and randomized embedding
to enhance the robustness of the steganographic processes.

Enclosed within a system boundary, this use case diagram provides a concise yet comprehensive
visual representation of the key functionalities and interactions within the multi-format steganography
system, offering a valuable tool for system analysis, design, and communication among stakeholders.
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 CHAPTER 4
TESTING AND IMPLEMENTATION

4.1 Image Steganography

ENCODE: -
Using Modified LSB Algorithm where we overwrite the LSB bit of actual image with the bit of text
message character. At the end of text message, we push a delimiter to the message string as a
checkpoint useful in decoding function. We encode data in order of Red, then Green and then blue pixel
for the entire message.

Fig 4.1 Image Steganography Encoding Algorithm

DECODE:-

In the decode part, we take all the LSB bits of each pixel until we get a checkpoint/delimiter and then
we split them by 8 bits and convert them to characters data type and print the string (i.e., the secret
text message) without delimiter.

Fig 4.2 Image Steganography Decoding Algorithm

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RESULTS AND OUTPUTS

● Encoding the message in image file

● Preview of Cover image and Stego image:

● Decoding the message from Image file:

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 4.2 Text Steganography
Encoding :-

Decoding:-

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RESULTS AND OUTPUTS
● Encoding the message in text file:

● Preview of Cover Text file and Stego Text file:

● Decoding the message from Text file:

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 4.3 Audio Steganography
Encoding: -

Decoding: -

17
RESULTS AND OUTPUTS
● Encoding the message in Audio file:

● Preview of Cover Audio file and Stego Audio file:

● Decoding the message from Audio file:

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4.3 Video Steganography

Encoding: -

19
Decoding: -

RESULTS AND OUTPUTS

● Encoding the message in Video file:

● Preview of Cover Video file and Stego Video file:

20
● Decoding the message from Audio file:

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CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION AND FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS

In conclusion, the design and architecture of a multi-format steganography system for secure
communication presents a comprehensive solution to the challenges of concealing information across
diverse media formats. The use case diagram illustrates the system's capabilities, depicting interactions
between users and administrators with various steganographic functionalities. The integration of
encryption measures, anti-steganalysis techniques, and user management underscores the commitment
to robust security and user control.

Looking ahead, several avenues for future enhancement can further elevate the effectiveness and
versatility of the system. Firstly, continuous research and development in steganography algorithms
should be pursued to adapt to evolving detection methods. Exploration of advanced encryption
techniques and integration with emerging cryptographic standards will strengthen the overall security
posture of the system, ensuring the confidentiality of concealed information.

Additionally, the user interface can be refined to enhance user experience and accessibility. User
feedback mechanisms and usability studies can be employed to identify areas for improvement and
streamline the interaction process, making the system more intuitive for both experienced users and
those new to steganography.

Furthermore, the system could benefit from expanded format support. As new media formats and
communication channels emerge, extending the system's capabilities to include these formats will ensure
its relevance and adaptability in an ever-changing technological landscape.

Collaboration with cybersecurity experts and ethical hacking communities can provide valuable
insights into potential vulnerabilities, allowing for proactive measures to fortify the system against
malicious attacks. Continuous monitoring of security trends and compliance with industry standards will
be crucial in maintaining the system's resilience against emerging threats.

In summary, the multi-format steganography system serves as a robust foundation for secure
communication, and future enhancements should focus on refining security measures, expanding format
support, improving user experience, and staying abreast of technological advancements to uphold its
efficacy in the dynamic field of information security.

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CHAPTER 6

REFERENCES

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3. Yogesh K. Meghrajani, Himanshu S, "Mazumdar, hiding secret message using visual

cryptography in steganography, IEEE Conference, 2015.

4. M.K.I. Rahmani and N.P.Kamiya Arora, "A Crypto- steganography:

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