A Secure Image Based Steganographic Model Using RSA Algorithm and LSB Insertion

Abstract - Steganography is the term used to describe the hiding of data in images to avoid detection by attackers. It is an emerging area which is used for secured data transmission over any public media. In this study a novel approach of image steganography based on LSB (Least Significant Bit) insertion and RSA encryption technique for the lossless jpeg images has been proposed. This paper discusses an application which ranks images in a users library based on their suitability as cover objects for some data. The data is matched to an image; so there is less chance of an attacker being able to use steganalysis to recover the data. The application first encrypts the data using RSA algorithm. The message bits are embedded into the image using Least Significant Bits insertion. Before embedding, the message bits are encrypted using RSA algorithm, resulting in increased robustness. This would decrease the intentional attacks which try to reveal the hidden message. At the receiver side reverse operation has been carried out to get back the original information.