Enhanced Data Security Framework by Using a Combination between Cryptography and Steganography Technique

Maysara Mazin Badr Alsaad

Steganography, Cryptography, Information Hiding, Twofish Algorithm, Portable Executable File.

Problem statement: Most of hiding information operations are performed within many of the traditional covers such as text, image, audio and video files. These covers become known amongst hackers where they can detect the hidden data or extract through their experience and proficiency in this field. The framework which was designed in this research deals with another kind of covers, which is the portable executable file that has (.exe) extension. Approach: The hidden method which was used in this framework rely on the manner of embedding bit by bit sequentially beyond the end of these files. In general, the hidden information within these covers is not considered a guaranteed protection. Therefore, before the hiding process, we reinforce this information through one of symmetric encryption algorithms, namely; Twofish. The combination occurred between hiding and encryption techniques are due to the lack of a typical technique that can be performing both of these functions in a single operation. Results: This framework is implemented by using Visual Basic.net where the findings show that the framework is able to embed and extract all types of files, regardless their size, even if the secret file is greater than the cover. Conclusion: The stego file can perform normally after the embedding process with the secret data inside where no antivirus software can detect the hidden data.

https://doi.org/10.31871/IJNTR.7.6.31