Title: Eight neighbour bits swap encryption-based image steganography using arithmetic progression technique

Authors: Srilekha Mukherjee; Goutam Sanyal

Addresses: Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur 713209, India ' Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur 713209, India

Abstract: This paper presents a steganographic approach of concealing the secret data so as to facilitate secure communication. Eight neighbour bits swap (ENBS) encryption has been used on the chosen cover image in the first stage. This results in the scrambling of the data bits, thereby disrupting the normal pixel orientation. Finally data bits from the secret image are embedded within the scrambled cover using the technique of arithmetic progression. Lastly inverse eight neighbour bits swap (ENBS) transformation is applied on the above generated image. This results in a descrambling operation, i.e., reverting back the normal orientation. Henceforth the stego is generated. Several quantitative and qualitative benchmarks analysis pertaining to this approach is made. All the results show that the imperceptibility is well maintained. Also the payload is high with negligible distortion produced in the image.

Keywords: steganography; eight neighbour bits swap encryption; arithmetic progression technique; peak signal to noise ratio; PSNR; cross correlation coefficient.

DOI: 10.1504/IJICS.2020.105188

International Journal of Information and Computer Security, 2020 Vol.12 No.2/3, pp.130 - 146

Accepted: 21 Mar 2019
Published online: 14 Feb 2020 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article