AES cryptography in color image steganography by genetic algorithms

This work incorporates the AES cryptography algorithm, to improve the hidden data security in two methodologies for steganography: the genetic algorithm and path relinking. It also combines them proposing a new hybrid approach that outperforms the LSB (least significant bits) substitution technique presented in works cited in the literature concerning the quality of a stego image. It improves the possibility of hiding data inside color images significantly, increasing the space available for information by more than three times when compared to the usual steganography approach used by grayscale images. Moreover all types of digital information from text and compressed files to even executable programs can be hidden inside the cover image. This considerably increases the scope of application of the technique for transmitting information inside a typical image, hiding the data from intruders.