Histogram secure steganography system in JPEG file based on modulus function

Abstract

In this paper, we present a novel steganographic method for embedding of secret data in still grayscale JPEG image. The embedding is performed in DCT domain in JPEG file. Hiding a secret data relies in change of selected quantized DCT transform coefficients according to modulo function, which allows to extract the secret message without cover-image being present what gives predisposition of blind steganography systems. Histogram analysis is deployed to create secure steganography system against histogram attacks. Moreover, prior embedding, a secret message is encrypted by AES 128-bit cipher to increase security level of steganography system as well as to acquire desired after-embedding histogram characteristics of DCT coefficients.