Image Steganography of Multiple File Types with Encryption and Compression Algorithms

The goals of this study were to develop a system intended for securing files through the technique of image steganography integrated with cryptography by utilizing ZLIB Algorithm for compressing and decompressing secret files, DES Algorithm for encryption and decryption, and Least Significant Bit Algorithm for file embedding and extraction to avoid compromise on highly confidential files from exploits of unauthorized persons. Ensuing to this, the system is in accordance with ISO 9126 international quality standards. Every quality criteria of the system was evaluated by 10 Information Technology professionals, and the arithmetic Mean and Standard Deviation of the survey were computed. The result exhibits that most of them strongly agreed that the system is excellently effective based on Functionality, Reliability, Usability, Efficiency, Maintainability and Portability conformance to ISO 9126 standards. The system was found to be a useful tool for both government agencies and private institutions for it could keep not only the message secret but also the existence of that particular message or file secret maintaining the privacy of highly confidential and sensitive files from unauthorized access.

Keywords –Image Steganography, Steganography with Encryption and Compression, Image Steganography with Encryption and Compression Algorithms