VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL

UNIVERSITY
Belagavi-590018, Karnataka

A
PROJECT
REPORT
ON

“IMAGE STEGANOGRAPHY TOOL”

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of

BACHELOR OF
ENGINEERING IN
COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Submitted by

RISHAV UPADHYAY USN:1BH20CS029

SAURABH SHARMA TIMILSINA USN:1BH20CS034
SHREYA KUMARI USN:1BH20CS040
USN:1BH20CS046
SUVAM SHARMA
Under the guidance of
Mrs. Shylaja D N
Assistant Professor

BANGALORE TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified Institute)
New Wipro Corporate Office, Off - Sarjapura Road, Kodathi, Bengaluru-560035

Department of Computer Science and Engineering

2023-2024
 BANGALORE TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE
Bengaluru-35
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified Institute)
Department of Computer Science and Engineering

CERTIFICATE
It is certified that the project work entitled “IMAGE STEGANOGRAPHY
TOOL” carried out by RISHAV UPADHYAY (1BH20CS029), SAURABH SHARMA
TIMILSINA (1BH20CS034), SHREYA KUMARI (1BH20CS040), SUVAM
SHARMA (1BH20CS046) are the bonafide students of Bangalore Technological
Institute, Bangalore in partial fulfilment for the award of Bachelor of Engineering in
Computer Science and Engineering of the Visvesvaraya Technological University,
Belagavi during the year 2023-2024 It is certified that all corrections/suggestions
indicated for Internal Assessment have been incorporated in the report deposited in the
departmental library. The project report has been approved as it satisfies the academic
requirements in the respect of the project work prescribed for the said degree.

Mrs. Shylaja D N Ms. Menaka A

Assistant
Assistant Professor
Professor Guide
Project
Coordinator

Dr. Sohan Kumar Gupta Dr. H S Nanda

Professor and Head
Principal

External Viva

Name of the examiners Signature with date

1.

2.
 BANGALORE TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE
Bengaluru - 35
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified Institute)
Department of Computer Science & Engineering

DECLARATION

We, the students of final year Computer Science and Engineering, Bangalore
Technological Institute, Bengaluru, hereby declare that the project entitled “IMAGE
STEGANOGRAPHY TOOL” has been independently carried out by us under the
guidance of Mrs. Shylaja D N, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science
and Engineering, Bangalore Technological Institute, Bengaluru and submitted in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree in Bachelor of Engineering
in Computer Science and Engineering of the Visvesvaraya Technological University,
Belagavi during the academic year 2023-24.

We also declare that to the best of our knowledge and belief the work reported here does
not form or part of any other dissertation on the basis of which a degree or award was
conferred on an early occasion of this by any other.

PLACE :

DATE :

RISHAV UPADHYAY 1BH20CS029

SAURABH SHARMA TIMILSINA 1BH20CS034
SHREYA KUMARI 1BH20CS040
SUVAM SHARMA 1BH20CS046
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Any achievement, be it scholastic or otherwise does not depend solely on the

individual efforts but on the guidance, encouragement and cooperation of intellectuals
and elders. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them all.
We heartily extend our words of gratitude to our guide, Mrs. Shylaja D N for her
valuable advice, encouragement and suggestion given to us in the course of our project
work. We convey our gratitude to her for having constantly monitored the development
of the project and setting up precise deadlines. We heartily extend our words of gratitude
to our Project Coordinator Dr. Sohan Kumar Gupta for guiding and giving advices in
project implementation.
We would like to express our immense gratitude to the respected Head of
Department Dr. Sreeramareddy G.M, for his unfailing encouragement and suggestion
given to us in course of our work.
We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the Principal,
Dr. H S Nanda, for giving us this opportunity to enrich our knowledge.
We are also grateful to the President Dr. A Prabhakara Reddy and Secretary,
Sri. C L Gowda for having provided us with a great infrastructure and well-furnished
labs.
Finally, a note of thanks to the Department of Computer Science and
Engineering, both teaching and non-teaching staff for their cooperation extended to us.
Last but not the least; we acknowledge the support and feedback of our parents,
guardians and friends, for their indispensable help always.

RISHAV UPADHYAY [1BH20CS029]

SAURABH SHARMA TIMILSINA [1BH19CS034]

SHREYA KUMARI [1BH20CS040]

SUVAM SHARMA [1BH20CS046]

I
 ABSTRACT
Steganography, the clandestine art of concealing communication, thrives on
embedding information within other data, with digital images emerging as a prime carrier
due to their ubiquity on the Internet. With a plethora of steganographic techniques
available, each with distinct strengths and weaknesses, the choice of method depends on
specific application requirements. Some prioritize the absolute invisibility of hidden data,
while others emphasize the capacity to conceal larger messages. This paper provides an
overview of image steganography, delving into its methodologies, applications, and the
characteristics of effective steganographic algorithms. By examining the suitability of
various techniques for different scenarios, it aims to elucidate the diverse landscape of
image steganography and guide practitioners in selecting the most appropriate approach
for their needs.

II
 CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE NO.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I

ABSTRACT II

CONTENTS III

LIST OF FIGURES VI

LIST OF TABLES VII

CHAPTERS
1. INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Introduction to Project 1
1.2 Aim of the project 3
1.3 Scop of the project 3
2. LITERATURE SURVEY 4
2.1 Literature Survey on proposed system 4
3. SYSTEM ANALYSIS 9
3.1 Problem Statement 9
3.2 Existing System 9
3.3 Proposed System 11
3.4 Feasibility Study 11
3.4.1 Economic Feasibility 11
3.4.2 Technical Feasibility 12
3.4.3 Social Feasibility 12
4. REQUIREMENT SPECIFICATION 13
4.1 Hardware and Software Requirement 13
4.1.1 Software Requirement 13
4.1.2 Hardware Requirement 13
4.2 Resource Requirement 13
4.2.1 Python 13
4.2.1.1 Python Libraries 14
4.2.2 Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) 17
4.2.2.1 Visual Studio Code 17

III
5. METHODOLOGY 19
5.1 General Architecture 19
5.2 Design Phase 20
5.2.1 Data Flow Diagram 20
5.2.2 Use Case Diagram 20
5.2.3 Activity Diagram 22
5.2.4 Activity Design 24
5.2.5 Interface Structure Design 26
6. ALGORITHM 27
6.1 LSB Algorithm 27
7. MODULES 32
7.1 PIL(Python Imaging Library) 32
7.2 Fernet 33
7.3 Datetime 35
7.4 Base64 35
7.5 Hashlib 37
7.6 OS 39
8. IMPLEMENTATION AND TESTING 42
8.1 Input and Output 42
8.2 Implementation 42
8.2.1 Tools Used 41
8.2.2 Implementation Details of Modules 43
8.3 Testing 48
8.3.1 Unit Testing 50
8.3.2 Integration Testing 52
8.3.3 Acceptance Testing 52
8.3.4 Test Case for System Testing 53
9. WORKING 54
9.1 Efficiency of the proposed system 54
9.2 PSNR and MSE 54
9.3 Sample Code 55
10. RESULTS 64
10.1 Results 64
11. SCREENSHOTS 67
IV
12. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK 71
12.1 Conclusion 71
12.2 Future Work 71
REFERENCES 73

V
 LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE NO. FIGURE NAME PAGE NO.
1.1 Steganography method & retrieving 2
Of Secret Data
5.1 Architecture Diagram of hideEm 19
5.2 Context Diagram 20
5.3 Data flow Diagram 20
5.4 Use Case Diagram for hideEm 22
5.5 Activity Diagram for Encryption 24
5.6 Activity Diagram for Decryption 25
5.7 Interface Structure Design of HideEm 26
6.1 Image Pixel distribution in RGB 29
Channel
6.2 Input on changing the MSB and LSB 29
6.3 Performing the Arm Curl 44
8.1 Performing Left Arm Curl 44
8.2 Performing Right Arm Curl 45
8.3 Performing Sit Ups 45
8.5 Performing Squat 46
11.1 Performing Push Ups 46
11.2 Performing Pull Ups 47
11.3 Counting Reps 48
11.4 Report of the Performed Exercise 48
11.5
11.6
11.7

VI
 LIST OF TABLES
TABLE NO. TABLE NAME PAGE NO.
4.1 Python Libraries and Tools 10

VII
IMAGE STEGANOGRAPHY TOOL 2023-2024

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction to Project
Project hideEm is created as a tool for secret communication among people where data
privacy is denied by the government or any form. It can be very useful in the places
where cryptography in internet is not allowed to be used. In such places, if you want to
have a secure communication, you can use this tool that will take a message from users,
encrypt it first and hide it into the provided image. The tool than prepares a new image
with the encrypted message inside. The quality change in image, or the hidden message
won’t be visible to any naked eye nor will the hidden message will be detected by any
tool or technology, used to filter the internet traffic.
In an age where digital communication pervades every aspect of our lives, ensuring the
confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information has become paramount. Amidst this
backdrop, image steganography emerges as a potent technique for covert communication,
allowing individuals to conceal messages within seemingly innocuous images.
Steganography, derived from the Greek words "steganos" (covered) and "graphia"
(writing), encompasses the art of hiding information within other data, thereby obscuring
the very existence of communication itself. The ubiquity of digital images on the internet
makes them an ideal carrier for concealed messages, as they attract minimal suspicion
during transmission. Image steganography tools leverage a diverse array of techniques to
embed secret data within images, ranging from simple LSB (Least Significant Bit)
insertion to more sophisticated algorithms that alter pixel values or frequencies. The
allure of image steganography lies in its ability to evade detection by unauthorized
parties, including automated monitoring systems and human observers. Unlike
encryption, which encrypts data into an unreadable format, steganography hides the
existence of communication altogether, making it an invaluable tool for scenarios where
the mere act of encryption may arouse suspicion. In this context, the development of
robust and user-friendly image steganography tools becomes imperative. These tools
empower individuals to communicate securely in environments where traditional
encryption methods may be restricted or monitored. Moreover, they provide a means for
preserving privacy and confidentiality in a digital landscape fraught with surveillance and
censorship. The purpose of this paper is to introduce and explore one such image

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steganography tool: its functionality, capabilities, and potential applications. Through a

comprehensive examination, we aim to elucidate the underlying principles of image
steganography, highlight the strengths and limitations of existing techniques, and
demonstrate the utility of these tools in real-world scenarios. By shedding light on the
intricacies of image steganography and its role in contemporary communication, we hope
to equip readers with the knowledge and insights necessary to navigate the evolving
landscape of digital privacy and security. Whether for personal use, journalistic
endeavors, or activism in restrictive environments, image steganography tools offer a
clandestine yet indispensable means of preserving the confidentiality and integrity of
sensitive information.
This tool is based on python and has a text based interface (TBI), which is super simple
to use and to work upon by any people. This tool needs no any deep knowledge or
understanding about any technology. User simply need to provide an image, message and
password than the tool does the task of encrypting and hiding the encrypted text into the
image.

Figure 1.1 Steganography method and retrieving of Secret Data

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1.2 Aim of the Project

The aim of the project is to develop a user-friendly and robust software solution that
enables individuals to securely conceal messages within digital images. HideEm provides
users to communicate covertly in environments where traditional encryption methods
may be restricted or monitored. By leveraging steganographic techniques, the project
seeks to provide a means for preserving privacy and confidentiality in digital
communication channels. HideEm aims to enhance awareness and understanding of
image steganography principles and applications, facilitating informed decision making
regarding privacy and security practices in the digital age. Ultimately, the project aims to
contribute to the advancement of tools and methodologies for safeguarding sensitive
information in an increasingly interconnected world.

1.3 Scope of the Project

The scope of our project is to encompass the development of a user-friendly tool that
integrates steganographic algorithms and encryption techniques to enable secure
communication by concealing messages within digital images. Key aspects include
researching and implementing steganography algorithm such as LSB insertion, designing
an intuitive user interface for easy message embedding, integrating encryption
mechanisms for enhanced security, preserving image quality to avoid detection, ensuring
compatibility with common image formats, conducting thorough security analysis,
providing comprehensive documentation and support, and addressing ethical
considerations surrounding the responsible use of steganography tools.

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Chapter 2
LITERATURE SURVEY

2.1 Literature survey on proposed system

[1]. A Novel Steganography Technique for Digital Images Using the Least
Significant Bit Substitution Method (Year: 24 Nov 2022).
This paper was proposed by Shahid Rahman, Student Member, IEEE, Jamal Uddin,
Student Member, IEEE, Habib Ullah Khan, Hameed Hussain, and Ayaz Ali khan and
Muhammad Zakarya. This paper proposes a novel technique in steganography focusing
on digital images like RGB, grayscale, texture, and aerial images. The approach utilizes
the Least Significant Bit (LSB) substitution method using B-Channel (Blue Channel) and
a novel algorithm based on value difference to achieve higher security, imperceptibility,
capacity, and robustness compared to existing methods. The experimental results
demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, showing improvements in
various metrics such as PSNR (Peak Signal to Noise Ratio) correlation score, PSNR with
variable measures of code insertion, and embedding different sizes of secret messages in
different types of images. Through numerical simulations, the proposed strategy
outperformed the next-best current methodology by 5.561 percent in terms of PSNR
Correlation score. Additionally, the proposed approach achieved a 6.43 percent better
score in PSNR with a variable measure of code inserted in similar images with distinct
dimensions. Furthermore, encrypting the same amount of information in images of
varying sizes resulted in approximately 6.77 percent improvements. Embedding different
sizes of a particular secret message in a different image (such as Gray, Texture, Aerial
and RGB images) came out with about 5.466 percent of better score. Overall, the findings
suggest that the approach outperforms existing methodologies in terms of hiding capacity
and robustness. This work uses MLF (Maximum Likelihood Functional) technique to
generate the DK (Digital Key). It uses GLE (Grey Level Encryption) for generating
Stego-image. However, the continuous looping between the channel makes it fine
consuming. It may have high security due to encryption but is prone to tempering, scaling
attacks.

[2]. Carrier Image Rearrangement to Enhance the Security Level of LSB Method of Data
Steganography (Year: Jan 2022).
This paper was proposed by Prof. Mohamad K. Abu Zalata, Dr. Mohamad T. Barakat,

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Prof. Ziad A. Alqadi. A method to enhance the security level of the Least Significant Bit
(LSB) embedding technique has been proposed. This enhancement involves
incorporating secret message protection by utilizing a complex Private Key (PK) to
rearrange the carrier image and generate the Stego-image. The PK is created by the
sender and kept confidential. This PK is crucial for both embedding and extracting the
hidden message. It can be updated or modified based on factors such as block size and
the specific carrier image chosen for embedding. By customizing the PK based on block
division and rearrangement, the proposed method enhances the security of LSB
steganography while providing flexibility and adaptability to meet the sender's
preferences and requirements. Importantly, the addition of the protection stage to LSB
does not compromise quality parameters such as Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Peak
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR). The additional time required for rearrangement is
minimal and does not adversely impact the efficiency of the LSB embedding process,
ensuring that the proposed method remains efficient. Based on the experimental findings,
it is recommended to utilize carrier images with larger sizes. This choice optimizes the
quality parameters, specifically MSE and PSNR values, thereby enhancing the overall
effectiveness of the steganographic process.

[3]. A Novel RGB Image Steganography Using Simulated Annealing and LCG via LSB
(Year:20 Jan 2022).

This paper was proposed Mohammed J. Bawanwh, Emad Fawzi Al-Shalabi, Obaida M.
Al-Hazaimeh. This paper introduces a novel and resilient framework for color image
steganography, amalgamating Linear Congruential Generator (LCG), simulated annealing
(SA), Caesar cryptography, and LSB substitution method into a unified system. The aim
is to mitigate the risks posed by steganalysis and securely transmit data to its intended
destination. The framework utilizes Simulated Annealing (SA), with the assistance of
Linear Congruential Generator (LCG), to identify the optimal minimum path for
concealing information within a cover color image (RGB). Subsequently, the confidential
message undergoes encryption and is embedded within the RGB image path, serving as
the host medium, through a combination of Caesar and LSB procedures. Both the
embedding and extraction processes of the secret message necessitate a shared
understanding between the sender and receiver, encompassing SA initialization
parameters, LCG seed, Caesar key agreement, and secret message length. Without the
correct knowledge of the manipulation process, intruders conducting steganalysis will be
unable to detect or decipher the secret message concealed within the host image.

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Simulated Annealing (SA), inspired by the heating and cooling of metals, serves as an
optimization search method to tackle linear and non-linear problems. By mimicking the
metal annealing process, SA begins with an initial worst-case scenario and gradually
progresses toward the optimal solution while controlling temperature and fitness function
values. It employs a random search process to maximize or minimize the solution,
rejecting modifications that worsen the current solution. However, handling a large
number of random choices can lead to processing time challenges. In this system, LSB is
utilized to conceal digital messages within a digital medium by substituting the rightmost
bit of the cover medium with a bit from the message. Simulated Annealing (SA) operates
within the RGB color image, functioning as a searcher for an optimal solution vector to
hide data within a set of random vectors generated via LCG. Each color channel (Red,
Green, and Blue) of the host image contributes to constructing three optimal vectors, with
each vector dedicated to concealing a specific part of the secret message. The secret
message, treated as a binary file, is divided into three parts of bytes, each concealed
within a color channel. Before embedding, the message bytes undergo encryption via the
Caesar algorithm. LSB substitution is then applied to embed the bits of each secret
message part into the computed vectors. LCG, a commonly used random generator,
ensures pixel duplication prevention in the constructed SA vector by meeting prerequisite
conditions before generating random data. During embedding and extraction processes,
users input a set of keys for LCG (initial seed) and the Caesar algorithm (cryptography
key). SA parameters, functioning as keys, remain fixed at sender and receiver sites to
minimize key transfers, though they can be adjusted based on mutual agreement between
parties. The combined secret message length and type are embedded within the host
image, allowing authorized extractors to retrieve the data by employing the correct
extraction knowledge. However, the image has a bit more noise as computed in terms of
Mean Square Error (MSE). The image is not robust against attribute modification. Due to
Simulated Annealing (SA) minimum path, some images even lacked similarities in visual
appearance. The Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) is also low with average of 73.

[4]. Implementation and Comparative Analysis of Varient of LSB Steganographic Method

(Year:25 Jan 2022).
This paper was proposed Temitayo Ejidokun, Olusegun O. Omitola, Kehinde Adeniji,
Ifeoma Nnamah. This paper introduces k-LSB-based method which hides an image within
another by utilizing k least significant bits, with a local entropy filter aiding in identifying
the concealed image bits while minimizing distortion and information loss. An enhanced

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LSB substitution technique adds a layer of security by encrypting the message before
embedding, resulting in increased embedding capacity and good PSNR. Additionally, an
automated dual-level security method encrypts secret messages using Character Bit Shuffler
(CBS) before insertion into an image via LSB, prioritizing simplicity and image quality
preservation. Another approach introduces an improved LSB steganography method
employing the modulus function for data hiding within RGB true-color images, bolstering
transmission capacity by reducing secret data streams from seven to five bits. These
methods collectively represent advancements in steganographic techniques, offering
heightened security, increased capacity, and improved image fidelity. This study conducted
a comparative analysis of the LSB substitution method across three different image formats.
The evaluation revealed a consistent trend: as the number of stego-bits increased, there was
a corresponding decrease in PSNR alongside an increase in MSE, ultimately leading to
image distortion. It was noted that the security of the embedded message is closely linked to
the perceptibility of the image. Given that steganographic methods are not foolproof,
caution is advised when concealing sensitive information. Based on the findings, it is
recommended that the cover image should be sufficiently large to accommodate the secret
data, ideally with the data occupying no more than 20% of the cover image on average.
Additionally, it is advisable to minimize the amount of data to be hidden to avoid excessive
pixel usage, which could compromise image quality.

[5]. A Visual Cryptography Based Data Hiding Technique for Secret Data Encryption and
Decryption (Year: Dec 2021).
This paper was proposed Sonal Karade, Prof. Savita Chouhan. This paper introduces a
visual cryptography that is used to hide secret data within images, where an image is
divided into multiple shares without the need for computation. These shares can then be
superimposed to reveal the hidden key image or text through human perception. Initially,
the model involved a page of cipher text and a transparency page (secret key), where the
original text could be obtained by superimposing the transparency over the cipher text.
Later advancements introduced the (k,n) secret sharing scheme, where secret shares are
distributed among participants, and the secret is revealed only when a sufficient number of
shares are combined. Visual cryptography has since been extended to color images, with
techniques developed based on color decomposition and the use of RGB/CMY images. In
this field, traditional approaches like Cryptography, Steganography, and Data Hiding can
also be utilized. Cryptography focuses on mathematical techniques for data security, while
steganography hides messages within seemingly normal mediums, such as images, without

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arousing suspicion. Data hiding conceals the existence of secret information, while
cryptography protects the content of messages. Reversible data hiding in encrypted images
has gained attention, where data is embedded in the host media and can be recovered
without loss. This hidden data can include authentication data or author information related
to the image. Reversible data hiding ensures that both the secret data and the host media can
be recovered at a lossless level. It produces a visual cryptographic image in the form of
master and slave. The Stego-image is generated by random generation method. The
preprocessing tasks like image resizing and gray scale changing can be performed on Stego-
image. It requires MATLAB R2012b software for simulation and also a high processing
system. The performance of the proposed algorithm is tested for different grey scale images.
MATLAB based simulation result shows good PSNR value for the Stego-image and better
quality of Stego-image. For calculation the performance of proposed method uses Peak
Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Mean Square Error (MSE). The proposed method shows
good results under the different attacks. The visual cryptography is better method for data
hiding as compare to steganography and cryptography. Visual cryptography-based data
hiding methods provide double layer of security and better authentication process as
compare to other methods.

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Chapter 3

SYSTEM ANALYSIS
3.1. Problem Statement

The strict prohibition of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) usage in countries like Iran,
Cuba, and Sudan poses significant risks to online communication security. Without
SSL encryption, internet traffic remains vulnerable to attacks such as Network
Sniffing and Man-in-the-Middle attacks. This leaves personal data exposed and
susceptible to interception by government entities or malicious actors with
sufficient resources. In such environments, sharing sensitive information like
organizational server passwords or credentials carries inherent risks of exposure by
hackers. However, utilizing image steganography tools provides a solution to this
dilemma. By hiding secret messages within images, sensitive information remains
encrypted and protected from interception. Even if third parties intercept the
traffic, they will only see the image and will be unable to extract the hidden
messages without access to the steganography tool. This approach helps mitigate
the risks associated with unencrypted internet traffic in environments where SSL
usage is restricted.

3.2 Existing System

● SteganPEG is a lightweight software application built specifically for helping

users hide sensitive data inside JPG images in only a few steps. It sports a clean
and simple interface that offers only a few configuration settings to tinker with.
The program gives you the possibility to embed photos into the working
environment using the built-in browse function, so you cannot rely on “drag and
drop” operations. SteganPEG allows you to encrypt data by setting up
passwords, preview the picture in the primary panel, as well as insert multiple
items to be hidden in the photos. What’s more, the utility is able to indicate how
much space is occupied by the hidden files so you can calculate if there’s
available space for adding more items. The photo, which embeds the sensitive
data, can be exported to JPG file format, provided that you have specified the
filename and saving directory. During our testing we have noticed that

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SteganPEG accomplishes a task very quickly and without errors throughout the
entire process. As it would be expected from such a small app, it remains light
on the system resources, so it doesn’t burden computer performance, nor
interfere with other programs’ functionality. To sum it up, SteganPEG seems to
be the right choice in case you are looking for a simple-to-use encryption
application that comes packed with only a few dedicated parameters, and is
suitable especially for rookies.
● Hide’N’Send is a small utility which offers steganography. It lets you hide any
kind of file behind a JPG image file. It supports hashing and encryption too. This
means that you can hide your data by encrypting. This adds an extra layer of
security. The interface of the tool is simple and offers two tabs — one to hide
data and other to extract data. You can select the options accordingly. Just run
the tool, select the image file, then select the file which you want to hide, select
the encryption type and then hide the data in the image. Use the same tool again
to extract the hidden information in the image.
● Camouflage is another steganography tool that lets you hide any type of file
inside of a file. There is no kind of restriction in the software for hiding the file.
Use of the tool is simple and easy: you can just right-click on any file and select
the Camouflage option. To extract your sensitive data from the file, right-click
and select uncamouflage. You can also set a password to encrypt the hidden data
inside the file. The project is no longer in development, but you can use the old
file for your work. It still performs well and you can use it to hide your
confidential data inside an image.
● OpenStego can hide any data within an image file. It also does watermarking
image files with an individual signature. It can be used to detect unauthorized
file copying. This tool has standard licensing on watermark technology and
image with message may be distinguished by any people.
● RSteg is yet another Steganography tool developed using Java. You need to
have Java installed on your machine to run RSteg. Another striking advantage is
its portable feature. Hence no need to install it, just run and the software
windows pop up.
● Our Secret is yet another Image Steganography Tool which allows hiding files,
text and messages in photos. It these files are combined with images, then the

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final image will be of more size. But this tool make sure that the size of final
image is not abnormal.

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3.3 Proposed System

● This proposed system is to create a Image Steganography Tool that allows user
to embed the secret information within an image and maintain the integrity of
the secret data with the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) using a Pre-
shared Key (PSK).

● With a focus on user-friendliness, the system will feature an intuitive interface

and robust encryption mechanisms to ensure the confidentiality of embedded
information.

● Users will be able to easily embed photos into images using a built-in browse
function, preview the modifications, and export the modified images with
specified filenames and saving directories.

● The tool will also display the occupied space by the hidden files, allowing
users to optimize data embedding.

● Performance and efficiency will be prioritized to ensure quick execution of

tasks without compromising system resources.

● Here, in the system, the LSB algorithm is slightly modified to gain the
efficiency of flow of the program for better time complexity. The program only
utilizes the red channel of the RGB color and leave others unchanged.

● The average Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) of the our tool generating the
result of 101.454.

3.4 Feasibility Study

The feasibility study for the Image Steganography Tool aims to assess the practicality
and viability of developing such a tool. This study evaluates various aspects, including
technical, economic, operational, and scheduling considerations, to determine the
project's feasibility. It consists three parts:

3.4.1 Economic Feasibility

The economic feasibility of our project primarily revolves around the development costs

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involved. Fortunately, our program does not rely on proprietary software or hardware,
which could otherwise inflate production expenses. Additionally, we plan to offer the
product as a free tool to all users, eliminating any barriers to access. By leveraging open-
source technology, we can implement the necessary features without incurring any costs.
Looking ahead, we have the potential to integrate premium features into the program,
which could provide additional revenue streams and support further development efforts,
including the integration of proprietary technology. Consequently, our project is deemed
economically feasible, offering a cost-effective solution to users while allowing for future
growth and expansion opportunities.

3.4.2 Technical Feasibility

The system under development is built on Python and its modules, a technology widely
supported by computing systems worldwide. The basic hardware requirements, such as
ARM Cortex or Pentium 4 processors, 500 MB of RAM, and 5 GB of storage, are
common place in today's computing landscape. As such, the technology used to develop
the program is highly adaptable and applicable to current computing environments. This
ensures compatibility across various systems and makes the program accessible to a wide
range of users, regardless of their hardware specifications.

3.4.3 Social Feasibility

Social feasibility of the Image Steganography Tool involves assessing its acceptability and
impact within society. This encompasses considerations such as ethical implications, user
perceptions, and societal attitudes towards privacy and security. While steganography
inherently raises concerns about potential misuse for illicit activities, such as covert
communication for malicious purposes, its legitimate applications for safeguarding privacy
and enabling secure communication are widely recognized. Therefore, social feasibility
hinges on educating users about responsible usage, fostering awareness of privacy concerns,
and promoting ethical guidelines for employing steganography tools. By emphasizing the
tool's role in preserving confidentiality and protecting sensitive information in an era of
pervasive surveillance, its social feasibility can be enhanced, fostering greater acceptance
and adoption within society.

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Chapter 4
REQUIREMENT SPECIFICATION

Hardware and Software Requirement

4.1.1 Software Requirement

● Operating system (Example: Linux, Ubuntu)
● Code Editor (Example: VS code, Jupyter Notebook)
● Python and its Libraries
● Bash Shell

4.1.2 Hardware Requirement

● Processor : Any modern processor (ARM Cortex/Intel Pentium 4) or above
● Memory : 500 MB or above
● RAM : 1 GB or above
● Storage : 5 GB or above

4.2 Resource Requirements

4.2.1 Python

Python is a general-purpose language, which means it's designed to be used in a range of

applications, including data science, software and web development, automation, and
generally getting stuff done. Let's take a closer look at what Python is, what it can do, and
how you can start learning it.

Python is dynamically typed and garbage-collected. It supports multiple programming

paradigms, including structured (particularly procedural), object-oriented and functional
programming. It is often described as a "batteries included" language due to its
comprehensive standard library.

Guido van Rossum began working on Python in the late 1980s as a successor to the ABC
programming language and first released it in 1991 as Python 0.9.0. Python 2.0 was
released in 2000. Python 3.0, released in 2008, was a major revision not completely
backward-compatible with earlier versions. Python 2.7.18, released in 2020, was the last
release of Python 2. Python was conceived in the late 1980s by Guido van Rossum at

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Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) in the Netherlands as a successor to the ABC
programming language, which was inspired by SETL, capable of exception handling and
interfacing with the Amoeba operating system. Its implementation began in December
1989. Van Rossum shouldered sole responsibility for the project, as the lead developer,
until 12 July 2018, when he announced his "permanent vacation" from his responsibilities
as Python's "benevolent dictator for life", a title the Python community bestowed upon
him to reflect his long-term commitment as the project's chief decision-maker. In January
2019, active Python core developers elected a five-member Steering Council to lead the
project.

In 2022, Python 3.10.4 and 3.9.12 were expedited and 3.8.13, and 3.7.13, because of
many security issues. When Python 3.9.13 was released in May 2022, it was announced
that the 3.9 series (joining the older series 3.8 and 3.7) would only receive security fixes
in the future. On September 7, 2022, four new releases were made due to a potential
denial-of-service attack: 3.10.7, 3.9.14, 3.8.14, and 3.7.14.

In 2024, Python 3.11.8 and Python 3.12.2 was released on February 6. Python 3.8.19,
Python 3.9.19 and Python 3.10.14 were updated on March 19, 2024. Python version
3.11.9 was released on April 2, 2024. As of April 9, 2024, the latest version of Python 3
is Python 3.12.3. This recent release likely includes various improvements, bug fixes, and
potentially new features to enhance the functionality and performance of the language.
Users are encouraged to update to the latest version to take advantage of these
advancements and ensure compatibility with the latest developments in the Python
ecosystem. Python 3.13 will be released on October 1, 2024 and currently the
maintenance status is pre-release.

4.2.1.1 Python Libraries

Normally, a library is a collection of books or is a room or place where many books are
stored to be used later. Similarly, in the programming world, a library is a collection of
precompiled codes that can be used later on in a program for some specific well-defined
operations. Other than pre-compiled codes, a library may contain documentation,
configuration data, message templates, classes, and values, etc.

A Python library is a collection of related modules. It contains bundles of code that can
be used repeatedly in different programs. It makes Python Programming simpler and
convenient for the programmer. As we don’t need to write the same code again and again

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for different programs. Python libraries play a very vital role in fields of Machine
Learning, Data Science, Data Visualization, etc.

As is stated above, a Python library is simply a collection of codes or modules of codes

that we can use in a program for specific operations. We use libraries so that we don’t
need to write the code again in our program that is already available. But how it works.
Actually, in the MS Windows environment, the library files have a DLL extension
(Dynamic Load Libraries). When we link a library with our program and run that
program, the linker automatically searches for that library. It extracts the functionalities
of that library and interprets the program accordingly. That’s how we use the methods of
a library in our program. We will see further, how we bring in the libraries in our Python
programs.

Python Libraries & tools

Name Function/s
1. Fernet It is an open-source library used for
generation of the key, encryption of the
plaintext into ciphertext, and decryption
of the ciphertext into plaintext using
encrypt and decrypt methods
respectively. Fernet guarantees that data
encrypted using it cannot be further
manipulated or read without the key.
2. PIL (Python Imaging Library) This library provides extensive file
format support, an efficient internal
representation, and fairly powerful Image
Processing capabilities to the python
interpreter. PIL is used for opening,
manipulating and saving many different
image file formats.
3. base64 The base64 library offers functions for
encoding and decoding binary data to and
from base64 strings, effectively
converting any binary data to plain text. A
common encoding method called base64
converts binary data into a string of
printable ASCII characters.

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4. hashlib Python’s hashlib provides a variety of

hash functions, including md5, sha1, and
sha256. These functions are used to create
hash objects, which are then used to
generate hashes of data.

5. datetime The datetime library supplies classes for

manipulating dates and times. While date
and time arithmetic is supported, the focus
of the implementation is on efficient
attribute extraction for output formatting
and manipulation.

6. os The OS library in Python provides

functions for interacting with the
operating system. OS comes under
Python's standard utility modules. This
module provides a portable way of using
operating system-dependent functionality.
The “os” and “os.path” modules include
many functions to interact with the file
system.

Table 4.1 Python Libraries & tools

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4.2.2 Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)

An integrated development environment (IDE) is a software application that provides a
comprehensive set of tools for software development. IDEs typically include features
such as code editing, debugging, testing, and version control integration, as well as tools
for building and deploying software.

Some common features of IDEs include:

● Code editor: A text editor with advanced features such as syntax highlighting,
code completion, and refactoring tools.
● Debugger: A tool that allows developers to inspect the state of a program while it
is running and find and fix errors.
● Testing tools: Features for creating and running automated tests for a software
project.
● Version control integration: Support for working with version control systems
such as Git, allowing developers to track changes to their code and collaborate
with others.
● Build and deployment tools: Features for building and deploying software, such
as support for compiling code and creating packages.

There are many IDEs available for different programming languages, each with its own
set of features and target audience. Some IDEs are general-purpose, while others are
specialized for a particular language or type of development. IDEs are commonly used by
software developers to write, test, and debug code more efficiently.

4.2.2.1 Visual Studio Code:

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a popular, open-source code editor developed by
Microsoft. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and it supports a wide range
of programming languages and platforms.

VS Code is designed to be lightweight and fast, with a focus on simplicity and

productivity. It includes a range of features for code editing, such as syntax highlighting,
code completion, and error highlighting, as well as support for debugging and testing. It
also includes support for version control systems such as Git, and it can be extended with
plugins to add additional functionality.

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VS Code is known for its extensibility and customization options. It includes numerous
built-in extensions, as well as a marketplace where developers can find and install
extensions created by the community. These extensions can add new features to VS
Code, such as support for additional languages or tools, or they can customize the
editor to better suit the needs of the developer.

Visual Studio Code is a source-code editor that can be used with a variety of
programming languages, including C, C#, C++, Fortran, Go, Java, JavaScript, Node.js,
Python, Rust. It is based on the Electron framework,[20] which is used to develop
Node.js web applications that run on the Blink layout engine. Visual Studio Code
employs the same editor component (codenamed "Monaco") used in Azure DevOps
(formerly called Visual Studio Online and Visual Studio Team Services).

Out of the box, Visual Studio Code includes basic support for most common
programming languages. This basic support includes syntax highlighting, bracket
matching, code folding, and configurable snippets. Visual Studio Code also ships with
IntelliSense for JavaScript, TypeScript, JSON, CSS, and HTML, as well as debugging
support for Node.js. Support for additional languages can be provided by freely available
extensions on the VS Code Marketplace.

Instead of a project system, it allows users to open one or more directories, which can
then be saved in workspaces for future reuse. This allows it to operate as a language-
agnostic code editor for any language. It supports many programming languages and a
set of features that differs per language. Unwanted files and folders can be excluded from
the project tree via the settings. Many Visual Studio Code features are not exposed
through menus or the user interface but can be accessed via the command palette.

Source control is a built-in feature of Visual Studio Code. It has a dedicated tab inside of
the menu bar where users can access version control settings and view changes made to
the current project. To use the feature, Visual Studio Code must be linked to any
supported version control system (Git, Apache Subversion, Perforce, etc.). This allows
users to create repositories as well as to make push and pull requests directly from the
Visual Studio Code program.

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Chapter 5

METHODOLOGY
5.1 General Architecture
The below architectural diagram shows how the system works and it is demonstrating the
role of users in the developed program.

Figure: 5.1: Architecture diagram of hideEm

To get started, the user must access the main menu, which provides three distinct
options. The first option is to encode a secret message within an image, which can
only be decoded using this program. The second option is to decode a previously
encoded message from an image. Finally, the third option provides detailed
information about this program's features, capabilities, and usage instructions. If the
user selects either the encoding or decoding option, the program will automatically
navigate to the system directory, which serves as the default root directory. This
directory is the central location that stores all the necessary files and data required for
the program to perform its functions successfully. The program must locate this
directory to operate correctly, and this is done automatically to ensure a seamless
experience for the user.

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5.2 Design Phase

5.2.1 Context Diagram
The below figure demonstrate the context diagram of the project.

Figure 5.2: Context Diagram

5.2.2 Data Flow Diagram

Figure 5.3: Data Flow Diagram

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 External Entities:
1. User : Represents the external user interacting with the "hideEm" tool,
providing input data and receiving the modified image as output.

 Processes:
1. Prerequisite Tester: This process verifies the prerequisites required for the
tool to run, such as the availability of necessary libraries or dependencies.
2. Menu Dispatcher: Handles the user interface and menu navigation, guiding
the user through the different functionalities of the tool.
3. Image Selector: Selects the original image file provided by the user for
embedding the hidden message.
4. Message Encoder: Encrypts the message provided by the user using
cryptographic algorithms to enhance security.
5. Message Decoder: Decrypts and extracts the hidden message from the
modified image, if required by the user.
6. Message Extractor: Extracts the hidden message from the modified image.
7. New Image Generator: Generates the modified image with the hidden
message embedded, or creates a new image file with the extracted message.

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5.2.3 Use Case Diagram

Figure 5.4: Use Case Diagram for hideEm

Select Image:
Actor: User
Description: The user selects an image file to be used as the carrier for hiding the text
message.

Insert Text in an Image:

Actor: User
Description: The user provides a text message to be hidden within the selected image. The
tool then encrypts the message and embeds it into the image using steganographic techniques.

Read Text from Image:

Actor: User
Description: The user selects an image file containing a hidden text message. The tool then
extracts and decrypts the hidden message from the image, making it readable to the user.

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Save Extracted Text from Image:

Actor: User
Description: After reading the extracted text from the image, the user has the option to save it
to a file for future reference or further processing.

Exit to Main Menu:

Actor: User
Description: Allows the user to exit the current operation and return to the main menu of the
"hideEm" tool, where they can choose other functionalities or perform additional tasks.

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5.2.4 Activity Diagram

Figure 5.5: Activity Diagram for Encryption

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Figure 5.6: Activity Diagram for Decryption

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Activity diagram describes how the image is loaded in the system , encrypted text is
then encoded into the image to develop stego-image for encryption part as well as vice-
versa for part of decryption.

5.2.5 Interface Structure Design

The program has a simplistic text based interface that follows following interface design.

Figure 5.7: Interface Structure Design of hideEm

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Chapter 6

ALGORITHM
6.1 LSB Algorithm
The LSB (Least Significant Bit) Algorithm, particularly when applied to the R-channel of
an image, stands as one of the most prevalent methods in modern steganography. This
technique capitalizes on the least noticeable bit of a pixel's information in an image. It
proves most effective when the carrier file is longer than the message and when the image
is grayscale. In a 24-bit image, LSB techniques can encode three bits into each pixel,
facilitating the concealment of data within the image. Despite its simplicity in
implementation, LSB insertion is susceptible to attacks. Steganography has found its way
into various digital technologies, from embedding watermarks in currency to encoding
metadata in MP3 files. It's even utilized for copyright protection, embedding ownership
information within files. However, the fragility of LSB steganography is evident, as
minor alterations to the image's color palette or simple manipulations can obliterate the
hidden message, highlighting the need for robust security measures in digital concealment
methods.

The R-channel LSB (Least Significant Bit) algorithm is a method used in steganography,
which is the practice of hiding information within digital images. In this algorithm, a
carrier image is chosen, and its red channel (one of the color channels in the image) is
manipulated to conceal a secret message. Each pixel in the image is represented by three
color values: red, green, and blue. By altering the least significant bit (the binary digit
with the least impact on the pixel's color) of the red channel, the algorithm embeds bits of
the secret message into the image. Since the changes made to the least significant bit are
subtle, they are typically imperceptible to the human eye. To extract the hidden message,
the process is reversed, and the altered least significant bits are read from the image. If
encryption was used before embedding the message, decryption is required to reveal the
original content. While the R-channel LSB algorithm is straightforward and effective, it's
essential to recognize that it may not provide robust security against advanced detection
methods. Therefore, additional security measures may be necessary depending on the
application's requirements.

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R-channel LSB algorithm serves as a versatile tool in digital image processing, offering a
range of applications in communication, security, and copyright protection. Its ability to
conceal information within images while maintaining visual integrity makes it a valuable
technique in various domains. The R-channel LSB (Least Significant Bit) algorithm finds
numerous applications in digital image processing and steganography. Some of its
common uses include:
 Secret Communication: One of the primary uses of the R-channel LSB algorithm
is for secret communication. By embedding messages or data within the least
significant bits of the red channel of an image, users can conceal information
within images, making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to detect or
intercept the hidden data.
 Copyright Protection: The algorithm can also be employed for copyright
protection in digital media. Copyright information or ownership details can be
embedded within images using LSB steganography, allowing creators to assert
ownership and protect their intellectual property rights.
 Digital Watermarking: R-channel LSB can be utilized for digital watermarking,
where imperceptible marks or identifiers are embedded into images to
authenticate their origin or ownership. Watermarking helps to deter unauthorized
use or distribution of copyrighted images and serves as a form of digital
authentication.
 Data Hiding in Multimedia: In addition to images, the R-channel LSB algorithm
can be extended to hide data in multimedia files such as audio and video. By
manipulating the least significant bits of multimedia files, users can embed
additional data or metadata, enhancing the file's functionality or security.
 Steganalysis and Security: While the R-channel LSB algorithm is commonly used
for covert communication, it is also subject to steganalysis techniques aimed at
detecting hidden information. As a result, the algorithm is utilized in security
applications to analyze and detect the presence of hidden data in digital images,
aiding in forensic investigations and digital forensics.

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Figure 6.1: Image Pixel distribution in RGB Channel

In Figure 6.1 above, the distribution of image pixels in the RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
channel is depicted. The RGB channel comprises 24 bits in total, with each individual
channel consisting of 8 bits. This configuration allows for the representation of colors in
digital images by combining different intensities of red, green, and blue light. Each pixel
in the image is represented by three sets of 8-bit values for red, green, and blue,
respectively, determining the color and intensity of light emitted or reflected by that pixel.
By manipulating these values, various colors can be produced, enabling the creation of
vibrant and detailed images in digital media.

Figure 6.2: Impact on changing the MSB and LSB

In Figure 6.2 above, it's illustrated that modifying the Most Significant Bit (MSB) of a value
will result in a more significant change to the final value compared to altering the Least
Significant Bit (LSB). The MSB holds the highest weight in determining the value of a binary
number, and thus, changing it can lead to substantial adjustments in the overall value.
Conversely, the LSB carries the least weight and has minimal impact on the final value when
altered. This observation underscores the principle that modifications to the MSB are more
noticeable and impactful, while changes to the LSB are relatively subtle and have less
influence on the outcome.

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Figure 6.3: Pixel before and after insertion of the secret message

Encryption Algorithm:
Step 1: Start
Step 2: Take message, password and image from user
Step 3: Encrypt the message with the password
Step 4: Encode the encrypted message into binary form
Step 5: Hash the password and attach an escape sequence in the end
Step 6: Attach the password before encoded message
Step 7: While encoded data is not hidden
For each pixel in image
Get red color code
Encode the color code into 8-bit binary
Replace the 2 bit from LSB with 2 bit MSB of encoded data
Update the pixel data in image
If encoded data is hidden
Encoded data is hidden
Step 8: Stop

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Decryption Algorithm:
Step 1: Start
Step 2: Take the password and image with hidden message form users
Step 3: For each pixel in image
Get red color code
Encode the color code into 8-bit binary
Append the two from LSB of encoded color code to a string
If last 32 bit of string is password escape sequence
Store password bits as string
Segment the password in 7-bit each and convert to ASCII character
If password does not match
Go to step 1
If last 48 bit of string is message escape sequence
Break
Step 4: Segment the message in 7-bit each
Step 5: Convert the segmented bits to corresponding ASCII character to get cypher text
Step 6: Use password to decrypt the extracted cypher
Step 7: Display the plain text
Step 8: Stop

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Chapter 7
MODULES

7.1 PIL(Python Imaging Library)

The Python Imaging Library (PIL), now known as Pillow, stands as the foremost image
processing package for the Python programming language. It offers a comprehensive suite
of lightweight tools designed to facilitate image editing, creation, and saving operations.
Although support for the original Python Imaging Library ceased in 2011, the Pillow
project emerged as a successor by forking the original PIL codebase and introducing
Python 3.x compatibility. With its ongoing development and maintenance, Pillow has
become the preferred choice for image processing tasks in Python. Pillow boasts extensive
support for a wide array of image file formats, including but not limited to BMP, PNG,
JPEG, and TIFF. Its versatility is further demonstrated by its commitment to continuously
expanding support for newer image formats through the addition of new file decoders. This
proactive approach ensures that Pillow remains up-to-date with evolving industry standards
and user requirements. In summary, Pillow serves as a powerful and user-friendly solution
for image manipulation and processing in Python, offering a rich set of features and broad
compatibility with various image file formats. Its active development community and
commitment to ongoing improvement make it an indispensable tool for developers and
enthusiasts working with images in the Python ecosystem.

Key features of the PIL library include:

 Image Processing: PIL provides a wide range of image processing capabilities,

including resizing, cropping, rotating, flipping, and filtering images. These
operations can be performed on individual images or applied to multiple images in
batch processing.

 Image Enhancement: PIL offers tools for enhancing the quality and appearance of
images. This includes adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness, as
well as applying color corrections and gamma adjustments. Image Filtering: PIL
supports various image filtering techniques, such as blurring, sharpening, edge
detection, and noise reduction. These filters can be applied to images to achieve
desired visual effects or to preprocess images before further analysis.

 Image Drawing: PIL allows users to draw shapes, text, and other graphics directly

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onto images. This feature is useful for annotating images, adding labels or captions,
and creating visualizations.

 Image File I/O: PIL supports a wide range of image file formats for reading and
writing images, including popular formats such as JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, and
TIFF. It also provides functionality for converting between different image formats.

 Image Manipulation: PIL enables advanced image manipulation techniques, such

as blending multiple images together, compositing images with alpha transparency,
and creating image mosaics or collages.

This module is not preloaded with Python. So to install it execute the following command
in the command-line:

pip install pillow

7.2 Fernet
The Fernet library in Python is a part of the cryptography package and is specifically
designed for secure encryption and decryption of data. Fernet is a symmetric encryption
algorithm, meaning that it uses the same key for both encryption and decryption. It provides a
simple and secure way to encrypt data, making it suitable for a wide range of applications,
including securing sensitive information in web applications, storing encrypted data in
databases, and transmitting encrypted messages over insecure channels.
The fernet module of the cryptography package has inbuilt functions for the generation of the
key, encryption of plaintext into ciphertext, and decryption of ciphertext into plaintext using
the encrypt and decrypt methods respectively. The fernet module guarantees that data
encrypted using it cannot be further manipulated or read without the key. The Fernet library
in Python offers a convenient and secure solution for encrypting and decrypting data. Its
simplicity, robustness, and cross-platform compatibility make it a popular choice for securing
sensitive information in Python applications.
Methods Used:

 generate_key(): This method generates a new fernet key. The key must be kept safe
as it is the most important component to decrypt the ciphertext. If the key is lost then
the user can no longer decrypt the message. Also if an intruder or hacker gets access
to the key they can not only read the data but also forge the data.

 encrypt(data): It encrypts data passed as a parameter to the method. The outcome of

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this encryption is known as a “Fernet token” which is basically the ciphertext. The
encrypted token also contains the current timestamp when it was generated in
plaintext. The encrypt method throws an exception if the data is not in bytes.

Key features of the Fernet library include:

 Symmetric Encryption: Fernet uses symmetric encryption, where the same secret
key is used for both encryption and decryption. This simplifies the encryption
process and makes it easier to manage keys securely.

 Authenticated Encryption: Fernet provides authenticated encryption, which

ensures that the encrypted data cannot be tampered with or modified without
detection. This protects against data integrity attacks and ensures that the
decrypted data is authentic and unaltered.

 Secure Key Generation: Fernet generates secure random keys using

cryptographic algorithms, ensuring that the keys are unpredictable and resistant to
brute-force attacks.

 Easy-to-Use API: The Fernet library provides a simple and intuitive API for
encrypting and decrypting data. Developers can easily integrate Fernet encryption
into their Python applications with minimal effort.

 Cross-Platform Compatibility: Fernet encryption is compatible with different

platforms and programming languages, making it easy to encrypt data in Python
and decrypt it in other environments, or vice versa.

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7.3 Datetime
The datetime module supplies classes for manipulating dates and times. While date and
time arithmetic is supported, the focus of the implementation is on efficient attribute
extraction for output formatting and manipulation. The datetime module is a powerful
and versatile tool for working with dates and times in Python, offering a wide range of
functionalities for various date and time-related tasks. It offers functionalities for
creating, manipulating, and formatting dates, times, and time intervals.
There are 6 main classes when it comes to datetime in Python.
 Date: By date, we mean the conventional concept of dates with effect to the
Gregorian Calander. Very naturally, the date class in Python is explained with the
attributes like day, month, and year.
 Time: The next class that is discussed here is called time. This class is
independent of any day. Here it is generally assumed that each day has 24*60*60
seconds. The attributes of the time class in Python include minute, second,
microsecond, hour, and tzinfo.
 Datetime: Datetime in Python is the combination between dates and times. The
attributes of this class are similar to both date and separate classes. These
attributes include day, month, year, minute, second, microsecond, hour, and
tzinfo.
 Timedelta: You can think of timedelta as the variation between two different
dates, time, or datetime examples to microsecond resolution.
 Tzinfo: tzinfo is nothing but an attribute. It can provide you different timezone-
related information objects.
 Timezone: This class can deploy the tzinfo abstract base class in terms of a fixed
offset from the UTC. Here, you are looking into the new UTC version 3.2.

7.4 Base64
A built-in module in Python, the base64 library offers functions for encoding and
decoding binary data to and from base64 strings, effectively converting any binary data to
plain text. A common encoding method called base64 converts binary data into a string
of printable ASCII characters.

This module provides functions for encoding binary data to printable ASCII characters

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and decoding such encodings back to binary data. It provides encoding and decoding
functions for the encodings specified in RFC 4648, which defines the Base16, Base32,
and Base64 algorithms, and for the de-facto standard Ascii85 and Base85 encodings.

The RFC 4648 encodings are suitable for encoding binary data so that it can be safely
sent by email, used as parts of URLs, or included as part of an HTTP POST request. The
encoding algorithm is not the same as the uuencode program.

There are two interfaces provided by this module. The modern interface supports
encoding bytes-like objects to ASCII bytes, and decoding bytes-like objects or strings
containing ASCII to bytes. Both base-64 alphabets defined in RFC 4648 (normal, and
URL- and filesystem-safe) are supported.

The legacy interface does not support decoding from strings, but it does provide functions
for encoding and decoding to and from file objects. It only supports the Base64 standard
alphabet, and it adds newlines every 76 characters as per RFC 2045. Note that if you are
looking for RFC 2045 support you probably want to be looking at the email package
instead.

Some key features of the base64 module:

 Encoding: The base64.b64encode() function takes binary data as input and returns
a Base64-encoded bytes object. This function converts the binary data into a string
of printable ASCII characters.
 Decoding: The base64.b64decode() function takes a Base64-encoded bytes object
as input and returns the original binary data. This function reverses the encoding
process, converting the Base64-encoded string back into its original binary form.
 URL-safe Encoding: The base64.urlsafe_b64encode() function performs Base64
encoding with URL-safe characters, suitable for use in URLs and filenames. This
function replaces the standard Base64 characters + and / with - and _, respectively.
 URL-safe Decoding: The base64.urlsafe_b64decode() function decodes URL-safe
Base64-encoded strings back into binary data. It accepts URL-safe Base64-encoded
bytes objects as input and returns the original binary data.
 Padding: Base64-encoded strings may include padding characters at the end to
ensure that the length of the encoded string is a multiple of four. The
base64.b64encode() function automatically adds padding when necessary, and the

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base64.b64decode() function ignores padding during decoding.

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7.5 Hashlib
The hashlib module in Python provides functions for hashing data using various
cryptographic hash algorithms. Hashing is a process of converting input data (such as a
string or a file) into a fixed-size string of bytes, typically for the purpose of ensuring data
integrity, password storage, or digital signatures. Hashlib provides a convenient and
efficient way to hash data for a wide range of applications, including data integrity
verification, password storage, and digital signatures.

This module implements a common interface to many different secure hash and message
digest algorithms. Included are the FIPS secure hash algorithms SHA1, SHA224,
SHA256, SHA384, SHA512, (defined in the FIPS 180-4 standard), the SHA-3 series
(defined in the FIPS 202 standard) as well as RSA’s MD5 algorithm (defined in internet
RFC 1321). The terms “secure hash” and “message digest” are interchangeable. Older
algorithms were called message digests. The modern term is secure hash.

There is one constructor method named for each type of hash. All return a hash object
with the same simple interface. For example: use sha256() to create a SHA-256 hash
object. You can now feed this object with bytes-like objects (normally bytes) using the
update method. At any point you can ask it for the digest of the concatenation of the data
fed to it so far using the digest() or hexdigest() methods.

To allow multithreading, the Python GIL is released while computing a hash supplied
more than 2047 bytes of data at once in its constructor or .update method.

Constructors for hash algorithms that are always present in this module are sha1(),
sha224(), sha256(), sha384(), sha512(), sha3_224(), sha3_256(), sha3_384(), sha3_512(),
shake_128(), shake_256(), blake2b(), and blake2s(). md5() is normally available as well,
though it may be missing or blocked if you are using a rare “FIPS compliant” build of
Python. These correspond to algorithms_guaranteed.

Additional algorithms may also be available if your Python distribution’s hashlib was
linked against a build of OpenSSL that provides others. Others are not guaranteed
available on all installations and will only be accessible by name via new().

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Applications of hashlib are:

● Password Storage: Hashing algorithms provided by hashlib are commonly used for
storing passwords securely in databases. Instead of storing passwords in plaintext,
they are hashed using algorithms like SHA-256 or SHA-512 before being stored.
When a user attempts to log in, their password is hashed and compared to the stored
hash value for authentication.

● Digital Signatures: Hash functions play a crucial role in digital signatures, where
they are used to generate a unique fingerprint (hash) of a message or document. This
hash value is then encrypted with the sender's private key to create a digital
signature. Recipients can verify the integrity and authenticity of the message by
decrypting the digital signature using the sender's public key and comparing it to the
hash of the original message.

● Data Integrity Verification: Hashing is often used to verify the integrity of data
during transmission or storage. By generating a hash of the data before transmission
or storage, and then comparing it to the hash of the received or retrieved data, one
can ensure that the data has not been altered or corrupted.

● File Verification: When downloading files from the internet, users can verify the
integrity of the downloaded files by comparing their hash values to those provided
by the source. This ensures that the files have not been tampered with during
transmission and that they are identical to the original files.

● Cryptographic Key Derivation: Hash functions are used in key derivation

functions (KDFs) to derive cryptographic keys from passwords or other input data.
This ensures that the keys used for encryption and decryption are securely generated
from a relatively weak source of randomness.

● Message Authentication Codes (MACs): Hash functions are used in combination

with secret keys to generate message authentication codes (MACs). MACs are used
to authenticate the integrity and origin of messages in network communication
protocols, ensuring that messages have not been tampered with during transmission.

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7.6 OS
Python has a built-in os module with methods for interacting with the operating system,
like creating files and directories, management of files and directories, input, output,
environment variables, process management, etc. The os module has the following set of
methods and constants.

This module provides a portable way of using operating system dependent functionality.
If you just want to read or write a file see open(), if you want to manipulate paths, see the
os.path module, and if you want to read all the lines in all the files on the command line
see the fileinput module. For creating temporary files and directories see the tempfile
module, and for high-level file and directory handling see the shutil module.

Notes on the availability of these functions:

 The design of all built-in operating system dependent modules of Python is such
that as long as the same functionality is available, it uses the same interface; for
example, the function os.stat(path) returns stat information about path in the same
format (which happens to have originated with the POSIX interface).

 Extensions peculiar to a particular operating system are also available through the
os module, but using them is of course a threat to portability.

 All functions accepting path or file names accept both bytes and string objects,
and result in an object of the same type, if a path or file name is returned.

 On VxWorks, os.popen, os.fork, os.execv and os.spawn*p* are not supported.

 On WebAssembly platforms wasm32-emscripten and wasm32-wasi, large parts of

the os module are not available or behave differently. API related to processes
(e.g. fork(), execve()), signals (e.g. kill(), wait()), and resources (e.g. nice()) are
not available. Others like getuid() and getpid() are emulated or stubs.

Some key features and functions provided by the os module are:

1. File and Directory Operations:

 os.getcwd(): Get the current working directory.

 os.chdir(path): Change the current working directory to the specified path.

 os.listdir(path='.'): List the files and directories in the specified directory.

 os.mkdir(path): Create a new directory.

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 os.makedirs(path): Create a new directory recursively, creating any
missing intermediate directories.

 os.remove(path): Remove a file.

 os.rmdir(path): Remove an empty directory.

 os.removedirs(path): Remove a directory and any empty parent directories.

 os.rename(src, dst): Rename a file or directory.

2. Path Manipulation:

 os.path.join(path1, path2, ...): Join one or more path components into a

single path.

 os.path.abspath(path): Return the absolute version of a path.

 os.path.basename(path): Return the base name of a path.

 os.path.dirname(path): Return the directory name of a path.

 os.path.exists(path): Check if a path exists.

 os.path.isfile(path): Check if a path is a regular file.

 os.path.isdir(path): Check if a path is a directory.

 os.path.splitext(path): Split the extension from a path.

3. Process Management:

 os.system(command): Execute the command in a subshell (not

recommended for security reasons).

 os.spawnv(mode, path, args): Spawn a new process using the given

executable file.

 os.spawnve(mode, path, args, env): Spawn a new process using the

given executable file and environment variables.

 os.execv(path, args): Replace the current process with a new one using
the given executable file.

 os.execl(path, arg0, arg1, ...): Replace the current process with a new
one using the given executable file and arguments.

4. Environment Variables:

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 os.environ: A dictionary containing the current environment variables.

 os.getenv(key, default=None): Get the value of an environment

variable.

 os.putenv(key, value): Set the value of an environment variable.

5. Miscellaneous:

 os.getlogin(): Get the name of the user logged in on the controlling

terminal.

 os.getpid(): Get the current process ID.

 os.getppid(): Get the parent process ID.

 os.urandom(n): Generate a string of n random bytes suitable for

cryptographic use.

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Chapter 8

IMPLEMENTATION AND TESTING

8.1 Input and Output
Input is taken from user as image and text. The image includes original image to be
encoded while the text can be secret text as well as password for encryption. Output is
generated in the form of a stego-image from which message can be decoded and
decryption. The message can also be saved as a CSV file.

8.2 Implementation

8.2.1 Tools Used

 Python: Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language. Its design

philosophy emphasizes code readability with the use of significant indentation. Python
is dynamically typed and garbage-collected. It supports multiple programming
paradigms, including structured, object-oriented and functional programming. This
project is fully powered by python and its various modules like Python Image Library
(PIL), OS, time, cryptography, base64 and hashlib.
 PyCharm: PyCharm version 2023.2 is used as Integrated Development Environment
for the project. All the development part of the project is done with the IDE.
 Bash shell: Bash is a Unix shell and command language written by Brian Fox for the
GNU Project as a free software replacement for the Bourne shell. First released in
1989, it has been used as the default login shell for most Linux distributions. Bash was
one of the first programs Linus Torvalds ported to Linux, alongside GCC. This tool is
used to run the python file in terminal.
 MS-Office: The Microsoft office package is used in the various phases of the project.
 Draw.io online: This online tool is used to draw various required diagram during the
project and documentation process. Draw.io is a free, online diagramming tool that
allows you to create flowcharts, diagrams, mind maps, organisations charts, and much
more. A web-based application, Draw.io is fully integrated with Google Drive.
 Excalidraw.io online: Excalidraw.io is an online tool used for creating diagrams,
including various types of diagrams such as flowcharts, wireframes, and sketches.
Excalidraw is a collaborative whiteboard tool that allows users to create diagrams in a

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simple and intuitive manner. While it may offer features to assist with diagram
creation, such as shape recognition or alignment tools, it does not primarily rely on
artificial intelligence for its functionality.

8.2.2 Implementation Details of Modules

The project hideEm follows a modular architecture, where the application is built by
integrating multiple modules together. Each module serves a specific purpose or
functionality within the program, and they are developed independently before being
integrated to form the complete application. This modular approach allows for better
organization, maintenance, and scalability of the codebase. Additionally, it facilitates easier
testing and debugging of individual components, as well as the ability to replace or update
modules without affecting the entire system. The modular design of hideEm enhances its
flexibility and robustness, enabling efficient development and management of the software.

Menu Selector module in the program serves as the initial entry point for users and
facilitates navigation among various options available in the application. When the program
is initiated, the Menu Selector module is invoked, presenting users with a menu of options
such as hiding a message, viewing a hidden message, exiting the program, accessing help,
and more. Users can input their choice, and the Menu Selector module reads this input to
determine the next action to be performed. Based on the user's selection, the module
switches the program to execute the corresponding task or functionality, directing the flow
of the program accordingly. As the index module, it plays a crucial role in orchestrating the
overall functionality of the application, providing users with a seamless and intuitive
interface to interact with the system.

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Figure 8.1 Menu Selector of hideEm

Image Selector module in the program enables users to select the desired image in which
data is to be hidden. This module operates by first presenting users with a list of available
files and folders within the current directory. Users can then input a numeric value
corresponding to their choice. If a folder is selected, the module navigates the user to that
directory for further exploration. However, if a file is chosen, the module verifies whether the
selected file is an image. If the chosen file is indeed an image, the program proceeds to select
that file. Additionally, the Image Selector module includes error handling mechanisms to
detect and handle invalid user input, ensuring a smooth and error-free selection process. The
Image Selector module plays a crucial role in facilitating the selection of the appropriate
image file for data hiding within the program.

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Figure 8.2 Image Selector of hideEm

Message Encryption Module serves a critical role in the program by handling the
encryption of user messages before they are hidden within images. This module
prompts the user to input both an encryption key and the message to be encrypted.
Using the AES algorithm, the module encrypts the message using the provided key,
ensuring its confidentiality. Additionally, the module hashes the encryption key to
further secure it, and attaches an escape sequence at the end of both the password hash
and the ciphertext. This additional step enhances security by preventing unauthorized
access to the encrypted message, even if hackers manage to extract pixel data from the
image. By encrypting the message and securing the encryption key, the Message
Encryption Module effectively protects sensitive information from potential threats.

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Figure 8.3 Encryption Module

Image Generator module plays a crucial role in the program by working in

conjunction with the Message Encryption Module to conceal encrypted messages
within images. This module utilizes the Image Selector Module to obtain the user-
selected image and then employs the Python Imaging Library (PIL) to extract the pixel
data of the image. Once the pixel data is extracted, the module manipulates the red
pixel color code to embed the encrypted message within the image. Additionally, the
module creates a copy of the entire color palette and generates a new image with the
hidden message embedded in it. Finally, it saves a copy of the modified image in the
user's home directory, ensuring that the original image remains intact. The Image
Generator module is responsible for seamlessly integrating encrypted messages into
images while preserving the integrity of the original image file.

Message Extractor Module serves as a crucial component in the program, allowing

users to retrieve hidden data from images that contain encrypted messages. When
invoked, this module prompts the user to provide the decryption key. If the provided
decryption key matches the encryption key used to hide the message, the module
proceeds to extract the cipher from the image. Once the cipher is extracted, the module
removes any escape sequences from the string, ensuring that only the genuine cipher is

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passed to the Message Decryption Module. This ensures the integrity of the extracted
data and prepares it for decryption. The Message Extractor Module facilitates the
retrieval of hidden messages from images while maintaining data integrity and security
through the validation of decryption keys.

Message Decryption Module is a vital component of the program responsible for

decrypting messages extracted from images. Upon receiving the cipher from the
Message Extractor Module, this module utilizes the provided decryption key to decrypt
the message successfully. To accomplish this task, the module makes use of the
Cryptography module from the Python library, which provides robust encryption and
decryption functionalities. By leveraging this module, the Message Decryption Module
ensures the security and integrity of the decrypted message, allowing users to access
the hidden data with confidence. The Message Decryption Module plays a crucial role
in the process of retrieving and decrypting hidden messages from images, thereby
enabling users to access concealed information securely and reliably.

Figure 8.4 Decryption Module

Message Exporter module serves a dual purpose within the program. Firstly, it acts as
a display for the extracted message, allowing users to view the decrypted content
directly within the program interface. This feature enhances user convenience by
providing immediate access to the concealed information. Additionally, the module

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facilitates the export of the decrypted message by saving it into a file in the user's home
directory. Users have the option to choose whether to export the message or simply
navigate back to the main menu using the provided commands. This flexibility ensures
that users can manage the extracted data according to their preferences, whether they
choose to store it for future reference or simply view it temporarily within the program
interface. The Message Exporter module enhances the usability of the program by
offering convenient options for accessing and managing decrypted messages.

Figure 8.5 Message Exporter Module

8.3 Testing
System testing of the software is a testing conducted on a system which is complete,
integrated system that works as a whole. System testing is a critical testing procedure that
must be conducted by software developer before the system released. During system
testing it can evaluate the system’s compliance with its activities in system testing test not
only the design of the system, but also the behavior and the believed expectations result
from the customer. In addition, various complex test cases that used to test the system are
according to the business process requirements which are collected from the user.
Meanwhile, errors or bugs that detected during the testing is required software developer
look into it from the initial step of the business process to the end of the process to ensure
it have expected result in order to solve the errors or bugs to determine the degree of

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system stability.

Testing is a crucial phase in the development process of any software application, including
the hideEm image steganography tool. The testing phase ensures that the application
functions as intended, meets user requirements, and operates reliably under various
scenarios. In the context of hideEm, testing encompasses several key aspects:

 Unit Testing: Unit testing involves testing individual components or modules of the
application in isolation. Each module, such as the Message Encryption Module, Image
Generator Module, Message Extractor Module, and others, is tested to verify its
functionality according to specifications. This ensures that each component performs
its intended task accurately and reliably.

 Integration Testing: Integration testing focuses on verifying the interaction between

different modules or components of the application. This ensures that data flows
correctly between modules and that they work together seamlessly to achieve the
desired functionality. For hideEm, integration testing ensures that modules such as the
Message Encryption Module and Image Generator Module interact correctly to embed
messages within images.

 Functional Testing: Functional testing evaluates the application's behavior against

specified functional requirements. Test cases are designed to validate various features
and functionalities of hideEm, such as hiding messages within images, extracting
hidden messages, decrypting messages, and exporting decrypted messages. Functional
testing ensures that the application performs its intended functions accurately and
reliably.

 Security Testing: Security testing is crucial for a steganography tool like hideEm,
which deals with sensitive data encryption and hiding. This testing ensures that the
application's encryption and hiding mechanisms are robust and secure against
potential attacks or vulnerabilities. Security testing may involve validating encryption
algorithms, checking for vulnerabilities in input validation, and ensuring secure
storage of sensitive information.

 Regression Testing: Regression testing ensures that recent code changes or updates
do not adversely affect existing functionality. It involves retesting previously tested
features and functionalities to ensure that they still work correctly after modifications.

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Regression testing is essential for maintaining the overall quality and stability of

hideEm across different updates.

8.3.1 Unit testing

Unit testing is a fundamental aspect of software development, focusing on testing

individual units or components of code in isolation. It serves to detect and address defects
early in the development cycle, ensuring the reliability and correctness of the software.
By automating tests and isolating units from external dependencies, developers can verify
that each component behaves as expected and meets its specifications. Unit tests typically
include assertions to validate the behavior of the code, and they should execute quickly
and produce consistent results. Unit testing not only helps maintain code quality but also
facilitates rapid development cycles by providing fast feedback to developers.
Additionally, it serves as a form of regression testing, guarding against unintended
consequences of code changes. Unit testing is a crucial practice in software development
for ensuring the robustness and stability of applications.

Unit Testing is a primary testing process for the developed hideEm system. It involves
testing individual units or components of the software, such as modules, functions, or
procedures, to verify their correctness and suitability for use. This testing method allows
developers to identify any issues or defects within these units before integrating them into
the larger system. Unit Testing is essential for ensuring the functional correctness of each
independent module and detecting any errors early in the development cycle. It serves as
the first level of testing before integration testing, helping to maintain the overall quality
and reliability of the hideEm system.

Here, in the unit testing all the major functions being provided by each module of the
project are tested with predefined conditions and outcomes are mentioned below.

Test case Objective Task Expected Obtained

Outcome Outcome
Menu selection To select task User inputs a An error Failed
with invalid from the menu random message is
option number displayed
Provides option To select task User inputs a Image selection Passed
listed in menu from the menu number shown option will be
in the menu available

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Table 8.1 Test case for Menu Selector

Test case Objective Task Expected Obtained

Outcome Outcome
Image selection To provide User inputs a An error Failed
using invalid image to the random path to message is
path program image displayed
Selecting non To provide User selects text An error Failed
image files image to the file message is
program displayed
Providing non To provide User provide an An error Failed
existing index of image to the alpha numeric message is
the files program value displayed
Providing valid To provide Use provides User is asked to Passed
input image to the available index provide
program value of file encryption key

Table 8.2 Test Case for Image Selector

Test case Objective Task Expected Obtained

Outcome Outcome
Decrypting To decrypt the User inputs a User is directed Failed
message with encrypted random to main menu
false password message password with error
Decrypting To decrypt User inputs User is Passed
message with encrypted correct password providing with
true password password decrypted text

Table 8.3 Test Case for Message Decryption

Test case Objective Task Expected Obtained

Outcome Outcome
Saving message To export User provides An error Failed
with random message in text random input message is
input file displayed
Saving message To export User provides User is directed Failed
with quit message in text the quit to main menu
command file command
Saving message To export Use provides The message file Passed
with save and message in text input for save is saved and
quit command file and quit location is
displayed

Table 8.4 Test case for Message Exporter

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8.3.2 Integration Testing

Integration testing indeed plays a critical role in the software testing process, typically
occurring as the second level following unit testing. Unlike unit testing, which focuses on
testing individual components or units in isolation, integration testing involves verifying that
these units work together harmoniously as designed. In a typical software project, numerous
modules, often developed by different programmers, need to seamlessly integrate to achieve
the desired functionality. Integration testing specifically targets errors that may arise from the
combination of these modules. Its primary objective is to ensure that all units collaborate
effectively to perform their tasks correctly within the broader context of the software system.
Through integration testing, potential defects and inconsistencies in the interaction between
modules are identified and addressed, contributing to the overall quality and reliability of the
software product.

8.3.3 Acceptance Testing

Acceptance Testing is a method of software testing where a system undergoes evaluation for
acceptability, aiming to ensure compliance with business requirements and readiness for
delivery. This formal testing process aligns with user needs, requirements, and business
processes to assess whether the system meets acceptance criteria. Typically conducted by end
users or clients, acceptance testing verifies the software's suitability before deployment to the
production environment. It occurs after functional, integration, and system testing phases,
focusing on validating end-to-end business flow rather than simple errors or system
functionality. Carried out in a dedicated testing environment with production-like data,
acceptance testing serves as a crucial step in determining whether the system is ready for
acceptance and deployment.

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8.3.4 Test Case for System Testing

The program is fully tested for its performance by providing various inputs. The test
results are shown below.

S.N Test Case Objectives Expected Outcome Remarks

1 Selecting menu To check whether the The corresponding Passed
options indexed function are function to the index
accessible should run
2 Selecting image To check if only images Only files with JPG, Passed
are being selected PNG and JPEG should
be selected
3 Generating new To check is new image An image, looking Passed
image with message is generated same as the processed
in user’s home directory image should be in
user’s home directory
4 Decrypting To check if the message The displayed Passed
message is in human readable message should be in
form human readable form
5 Exporting To check if the decrypted The message should Passed
message message is saved in text be saved in user’s
file home directory
6 Accessing menu To check if user can User should be Passed
from other navigate to menu while redirected to menu,
modules using other features discarding the current
task
7 Exiting the To check if user can exit User should get exit Passed
program program without causing message and exit the
error program
8 Setting up system To check if alias for User must be able to Passed
program is made in access program from
bashrc file any directory using its
name

Table 8.5 System Testing for hideEm

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Chapter 9

WORKING

9.1 Efficiency of the proposed system

The proposed system uses very less computational resources and is free of cost
when it comes to its implementation. So it is very efficient moreover it can be improved
in performance via giving stringer confidence interval for recognition.

9.2 PSNR AND MSE

Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Mean Squared Error (MSE) are widely
used metrics in image processing to evaluate the quality of reconstructed or processed
images compared to their originals.
PSNR measures the quality of the reconstruction by comparing the original and
reconstructed images. It is expressed in decibels (dB) and represents the ratio between
the maximum possible power of a signal (in this case, the original image) and the
power of the noise (the difference between the original and reconstructed images). The
formula for PSNR is:
PSNR=10⋅log10(MSEMAX2)

where:
 MAX is the maximum possible pixel value of the image (e.g., 255 for an 8-bit
grayscale image or 1 for a normalized image).
 MSE is the Mean Squared Error between the original and reconstructed
images.
MSE quantifies the average squared difference between corresponding pixels of
the original and reconstructed images. It provides a numerical measure of the average
magnitude of the error between the two images. The formula for MSE is:
MSE=MN1∑i=0M−1∑j=0N−1(I(i,j)−K(i,j))2
where:
 𝐼 ( 𝑖 , 𝑗 ) I(i,j) is the pixel value of the original image at position ( 𝑖 , 𝑗 ) (i,j).

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 𝐾 ( 𝑖 , 𝑗 ) K(i,j) is the pixel value of the reconstructed image at position ( 𝑖 ,
𝑗 ) (i,j).
 𝑀 M and 𝑁 N are the dimensions of the images.
In summary, PSNR provides a logarithmic measure of the ratio between the
maximum possible signal power and the power of the noise, while MSE
quantifies the average squared difference between corresponding pixels of the
original and reconstructed images. Both metrics are commonly used to assess the
fidelity and quality of image reconstructions in various image processing
applications.

9.3 Sample Code

import os

import selectImage as si
import time
import intro
import about
import hideMessage as hm
import showMessgae as sm

def checkPython():
check = os.system('python --version')
check2 = os.system('python3 --version')
if check != 0 and check2 != 0:
print("Err:: This program needs python to run. Please install
python and try again...")
quit()

def showErr():
global error
return error
error = ""

def main(ack):
os.chdir(f"{os.path.dirname(__file__)}")
global error
si.clear()
intro.showBrand()

if ack == "hidden":
print(f"\nYour message is hidden in {os.path.expanduser('~')}")

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print(f"\nYour message is hidden in {os.path.expanduser('~')}")

if ack == "about":
print(f"\nDeveloped by Suvam and team! ")

if len(error) > 1:
print(f'\nError::: {showErr()}\n')

print("\nMain menu of hideEm\n")

print("++[0]\tExit\n")
print("++[1]\tHide message in image")
print("++[2]\tRead message from image")
print("++[3]\tAbout the application")
print("\n")

try:
selectedNumber = int(input(f"Select your option (0-{optionRange}): "))
if selectedNumber == 0:
si.clear()
print(open("./txtFiles/smile.txt", "r").read())
time.sleep(5)
si.clear()
quit()
elif selectedNumber == 1:
si.start()
print(f"Full path of your image is {si.getName()}")
time.sleep(0.5)
if si.getName() == "[EXIT]":
main("")
else:
hm.hide(si.getName())
main("hidden")
elif selectedNumber == 2:
si.start()
print(f"Full path of your image is {si.getName()}")
time.sleep(0.5)
if si.getName() == "[EXIT]":
main("")
else:
sm.show(si.getName())
main("shown")
elif selectedNumber == 3:
about.aboutApp()
main("about")
elif selectedNumber > 3 or selectedNumber < 0:
error = "Number out of range"
main("")
else:
error = "Unexpected error occurred..."
except ValueError:
error = "Only number accepted"

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main("")

os.chdir(f"{os.path.dirname(__file__)}")
error = ""
aspShowRun = False
optionRange = "3"
si.clear()
time.sleep(0.05)
si.clear()
checkPython()
main("")

import time
from datetime import datetime
import os
from PIL import Image
from cryptography.fernet import Fernet
import base64
import hashlib

def getText():
password = input("Password to lock message (Don't use [MAIN] as your
password): ")
os.system("cls")
remain = 32 - len(password)
password = password + '0' * remain
passByte = bytes(password, 'ascii')
hashPass = hashlib.md5(passByte)
basePass = base64.b64encode(passByte)
hashPass = str(hashPass.digest())
password = hashPass + "[{^]"

message = input("Enter the message: \n")

fernet = Fernet(basePass)
message = bytes(message, 'ascii')
message = fernet.encrypt(message)
message = str(message) + " [END]"

encodedText = ""
text = password + message
for char in text:
acsiiOfChar = ord(char)
binOfChar = f"{acsiiOfChar:08b}"
encodedText = encodedText + binOfChar

return encodedText

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def hide(imageName):
os.system("cls")
text = getText()
os.system("cls")
pixelToHide = len(text) / 2
img = Image.open(imageName)
loadImg = img.load()
pixelCount = 0
textStart = 0
textEnd = textStart + 2
for y in range(img.size[1]):
if pixelCount == pixelToHide:
break
for x in range(img.size[0]):
r, g, b = img.getpixel((x, y))
binR = f"{r:08b}"
textSection = text[textStart: textEnd]
textStart = textStart + 2
textEnd = textStart + 2
encodedBinR = binR[:6] + textSection
encodedDecR = int(encodedBinR, 2)
loadImg[x, y] = (encodedDecR, g, b)
pixelCount = pixelCount + 1

if pixelCount == pixelToHide:
break

img.save(f"{os.path.expanduser('~')}/encoded-{datetime.now()}.{'jpg'}",
format="jpg")
img.close()
print("\nMessage hidden successfully...")
time.sleep(1)

import os
import time

def clear():
os.system('cls')

def showErr():
global error
return error

def start():

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global admin, userDir, error
if len(error) > 0:
print(f'\nError::: {showErr()}\n')
error = ""
time.sleep(0.5)
userDir = input("Directory you want to begin with (/): ")
if userDir != "" and os.path.exists(userDir):
select()
elif userDir == "":
print("\nSelecting root (/) directory as default directory\n")
userDir = "../Users/dell/Desktop/8th sem/final year project/PSNR
calc/test_image"
time.sleep(0.5)
select()
elif not os.path.exists(userDir):
error = "Given directory is not valid"
time.sleep(0.5)
start()
else:
print(f"\nError on selection: Please report to {admin}\n")

def getLenOfDir():
global userDir
return len(os.listdir(userDir))

def select():
global userDir, error, imageName, admin

cls()

if len(error) > 0:
print(f'\nError::: {showErr()}\n')
error = ""

print(f"You are on (0 to main menu): [+]{userDir}")

for count, file in enumerate(os.listdir(userDir)):
if file.endswith(".jpg") or file.endswith(".jpeg") or
file.endswith(".png") or not file.startswith("."):
print(f"++[{count + 1}]\t{file}")

try:
fileNumber = int(input(f"Select file number (1-{getLenOfDir()}): "))
if getLenOfDir() >= fileNumber >= 1:
selectedFile = os.listdir(userDir)[fileNumber - 1]
newUserDir = f"{userDir}/{selectedFile}"
if os.path.isdir(newUserDir) and '.' not in selectedFile:
os.chdir(newUserDir)
userDir = newUserDir
select()

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else:
if selectedFile.endswith('.png') or
selectedFile.endswith('.jpg') or selectedFile.endswith('.jpeg'):
imageName = f'{userDir}/{selectedFile}'
else:
error = "Only .jpeg and .jpg file format are supported for
now"
select()

elif fileNumber == 0:
end()

else:
error = "Number out of range"
select()
except ValueError:
error = "Only numbers accepted"
select()

def getName():
global imageName
return imageName

def end():
global imageName
imageName = "[EXIT]"

admin = ""
error = ""
imageName = None
userDir = None

import base64
import hashlib
from cryptography.fernet import Fernet
import time
import os
from datetime import datetime

from intro import showBrand

import selectImage as si
from PIL import Image

escSeqForMessage = "001000000101101101000101010011100100010001011101"
escSeqForPassword = "01011011011110110101111001011101"

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passwordFlag = 0
wrongCount = 0
fileExp = ""
passkey = ""
passToDecrypt = ""

def writeTextToFile(text):
global imgName, fileExp
fileName = f"{os.path.expanduser('~')}/{datetime.now()}.txt"
fileExp = fileName
openFile = open(fileName, 'w')
openFile.write(text)

def refineText(text):
global passkey
refinedText = text.replace(f"{passkey}b'", "")
refinedText = refinedText.replace("' [END]", "")
return refinedText

def hold(text):
checkToExit = input("\nEnter 'q!' to exit without saving and 'w!' to save
and exit: ")
if checkToExit == 'q!':
return
elif checkToExit == 'w!':
writeTextToFile(text)
si.clear()
print(f"Your message is saved in {fileExp}")
holding = input("Enter to continue...")
else:
hold(text)

def display(text):
global passToDecrypt
fernet = Fernet(passToDecrypt)
text = fernet.decrypt(bytes(text, 'ascii'))
text = str(text)
remove = text[:2]
text = text.replace(remove, "")
remove = text[-1]
text = text.replace(remove, "")
return text

def checkPassword():
global escSeqForPassword, imgName, passwordFlag, wrongCount, passkey,
passToDecrypt
password = input("Decryption Key (to goto menu: [MAIN]): ")

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si.clear()

if password == '[MAIN]':
returnFlag = '[MAIN]'
return returnFlag
else:
remain = 32 - len(password)
password = password + "0" * remain
passByte = bytes(password, 'ascii')
hashPass = hashlib.md5(passByte)
basePass = base64.b64encode(passByte)
password = str(hashPass.digest()) + '[{^]'

passkey = password
passToDecrypt = basePass
encodedPassword = ""

passwordFromImage = ""
for char in password:
acsiiOfChar = ord(char)
binOfChar = f"{acsiiOfChar:08b}"
encodedPassword = encodedPassword + binOfChar

img = Image.open(imgName)
for y in range(img.size[1]):
if len(passwordFromImage) >= 32:
if passwordFromImage[-32:] == escSeqForPassword:
break
for x in range(img.size[0]):
r, g, b = img.getpixel((x, y))
binR = f'{r:08b}'
passwordFromImage = passwordFromImage + binR[6:]
if len(passwordFromImage) >= 32:
if passwordFromImage[-32:] == escSeqForPassword:
break

if passwordFromImage == encodedPassword:
return '[YES]'
else:
return "[NO]"

def show(imageName):
global escSeqForMessage, passwordFlag, wrongCount, imgName
imgName = imageName
passwordFlag = 0
wrongCount = 0
si.clear()

status = checkPassword()
if status == '[YES]':

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print(f"Selecting image {imageName}\n")
binText = ""
img = Image.open(imageName)

for y in range(img.size[1]):
if len(binText) >= 48:
if binText[-48:] == escSeqForMessage:
break
for x in range(img.size[0]):
r, g, b = img.getpixel((x, y))
binR = f"{r:08b}"
binText = binText + binR[6:]
if len(binText) >= 48:
if binText[-48:] == escSeqForMessage:
break

startText = 0
endText = startText + 8
decodedMessage = ""

loopBinText = len(binText) / 8
loopCount = 0
while loopCount < loopBinText:
slicedBits = binText[startText: endText]
startText = startText + 8
endText = startText + 8
desSlicedBits = int(str(slicedBits), 2)
decodedMessage = decodedMessage + chr(desSlicedBits)
loopCount = loopCount + 1

print("Message extracted successfully...")

time.sleep(1)
si.clear()
os.chdir(f"{os.path.dirname(__file__)}")
showBrand()
print("\nMessage::")
refinedText = refineText(decodedMessage)
decryptedText = display(refinedText)
print(decryptedText)
hold(decryptedText)

elif status == '[NO]':

input("\nYou entered wrong password...")
else:
print("\nUnknown error occurred...")

message = ""
imgName = ""

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Chapter 10

RESULTS

10.1 Results
PSNR-Value represent Peak Signal to Noise Ratio which is the peak-error comparison
between two images. It is used to show the efficiency of our tool. Also to mention that using
original Image of low quality will result in low PSNR value it is already is low quality. The
image we used are of 3341 X 5011 resolution with 72 Dpi and 24 bit depth. The message
encoded is “Hello World” and password used is “test123”.

S.N. Source Image Stego-Image PSNR-Value

1.

100.02

2.

102.75

3.

99.30

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4.

95.55

5.

102.73

6.

104.80

7.

103.1

8.

99.21

9.

105.3

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10.

101.78

Table 10.1 System Testing for hideEm

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Chapter 11
SCREENSHOTS

Figure 11.1 Main Menu

Figure 11.2 Image Menu

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Figure 11.3 Encyption

Figure 11.4 Original Image

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Figure 11.5 Decryption

Figure 11.6 Stego-Image

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Figure 11.7 Message Decrypted

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Chapter 12
CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK
11.1 CONCLUSION
In this era of technological advancement, “hideEm” emerges as a valuable asset,
facilitating secure sharing of confidential data among users. Particularly beneficial for
organizations and individuals unable to invest in robust security measures like GRE or
IPSec, hideEm offers a practical solution to safeguard sensitive information when
transmitting over public networks. However, the program's effectiveness ultimately
depends on user diligence, with factors such as encryption key length and complexity
directly impacting its security. While hideEm currently offers essential steganography
features, ongoing updates and enhancements will ensure it remains aligned with evolving
user needs and security standards, reinforcing its position as a reliable tool for protecting
sensitive data in the digital age.

The project entitled “hideEm” represents a robust and efficient solution for image
steganography, offering users a reliable method to conceal sensitive data within image
files securely. Through its modular architecture and seamless integration of encryption
algorithms, users can encrypt messages and hide them within images, ensuring
confidentiality and protection against unauthorized access. The program's intuitive
interface and user-friendly design make it accessible to a wide range of users, while its
comprehensive testing ensures reliability and performance. hideEm's ability to effectively
hide data within images, coupled with its encryption capabilities, makes it a valuable tool
for protecting sensitive information in various applications. As technology continues to
advance, hideEm stands as a testament to the ongoing innovation in data security and
privacy.

11.2 FUTURE WORK

For the long-term improvement of the project, several recommendations are proposed:

 Conduct regular usability testing sessions to gather user feedback and insights for
further improving the user interface.

 Explore emerging encryption algorithms and protocols to assess their suitability

for integration into the project, focusing on enhancing data security.

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 Enhance cross-platform compatibility by optimizing the program's codebase and
addressing dependencies that may hinder its performance on different systems.

 Implement robust encryption mechanisms for exported messages, such as

password protection or encryption keys, to prevent unauthorized access to
sensitive data.

 Develop comprehensive documentation and tutorials to assist users in effectively

utilizing the program's features and understanding its security protocols.

 Establish a dedicated support system or community forum where users can seek
assistance, report issues, and share insights for ongoing improvement.

 Collaborate with cybersecurity experts and professionals to conduct security

audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

 Continuously monitor and track industry trends and regulatory requirements

related to data security and privacy to ensure compliance and alignment with best
practices.

 Foster an open-source community around the project to encourage collaboration,

contributions, and peer review, enhancing its robustness and reliability over time.

 Consider implementing additional features or functionalities based on user

demands and evolving security needs, such as support for different file formats or
integration with other security tools.

 Address compatibility issues with command prompt to ensure seamless

functionality across different platforms and environments.

 Implement measures to safeguard exported messages, enhancing overall data

protection and confidentiality.

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REFERENCES
[1] Shahid Rahman, Jamal Uddin, Habib Ullah Khan, Hameed Hussain, Ayaz Ali khan,
Muhammad Zakarya (24 November 2022). A Novel Steganography Technique for
Digital Images Using the Least Significant Bit Substitution Method. IEEE Journal,
101109.

[2] Prof. Mohamad K. Abu Zalata, Dr. Mohamad T. Barakat, Prof. Ziad A. Alqadi
(January 2022). Carrier Image Rearrangement to Enhance the Security Level of LSB
Method of Data Steganography. International Journal of Computer Science and Mobile
Computing (IJCSMC), Volume 11, 1047760.

[3] Mohammed J. Bawanwh, Emad Fawzi Al-Shalabi, Obaida M. Al-Hazaimeh (20

January 2022). A Novel RGB Image Steganography Using Simulated Annealing and
LCG via LSB. International Journal of Computer Science and Network Security
(IJCSNS), Volume 21, 1022937.

[4] Temitayo Ejidokun, Olusegun O. Omitola, Kehinde Adeniji, Ifeoma Nnamah (25
January 2022). Implementation and Comparative Analysis of Varient of LSB
Steganographic Method. SAUPEC Conference (2022), 101109

[5] Sonal Karade, Prof. Savita Chouhan (December 2021). A Visual Cryptography Based
Data Hiding Technique for Secret Data Encryption and Decryption. International
Journal of Engineering Associates (IJEA), Volume 10, 2320-0804.

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