استگانوگرافی تصاویر رنگی: از مبانی تا روشهای نوین پنهانسازی با الگوریتم های مبتنی بر بیت کماهمیت
محورهای موضوعی : فناوری های نوین در سیستم های توزیع شده و محاسبات الگوریتمیسعیده خواجه بیدختی 1 , آتنا امینی 2 , محمد حسین معطر 3
1 - گروه مهندسی کامپیوتر، واحد مشهد، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، مشهد، ایران
2 - گروه مهندسی کامپیوتر، واحد مشهد، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، مشهد، ایران
3 - دانشکده مهندسی کامپیوتر، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، مشهد، ایران
کلید واژه: استگانوگرافی, پنهاننگاری, بیت کماهمیت, تصاویر رنگی, ارزیابی کیفیت, امنیت اطلاعات,
چکیده مقاله :
با گسترش استفاده از اینترنت و تبادل مداوم دادهها، مسئلهی امنیت اطلاعات اهمیت زیادی پیدا کرده است. استگانوگرافی (Steganography) یا پنهاننگاری روشی است که اجازه میدهد پیامها به شکلی نامحسوس در فایلهایی مثل تصویر مخفی شوند تا هیچکس متوجه وجود آنها نشود. در میان روشهای مختلف، تکنیک بیت کماهمیت (Least Significant Bit-LSB) به دلیل سادگی و کیفیت بالای تصاویر خروجی، بیشتر مورد توجه پژوهشگران قرار گرفته است. استفاده از تصاویر رنگی نیز به دلیل داشتن سه کانال رنگی (RGB)، فضای بیشتری برای پنهانسازی فراهم میکند. در این مقاله، یک مرور جامع بر پژوهشهای انجامشده در زمینهی استگانوگرافی تصاویر رنگی با استفاده از روشهای LSB ارائه میشود. ابتدا مفاهیم پایه و مدلهای رنگ توضیح داده میشوند، سپس روشهای مختلف LSB شامل نوع کلاسیک، تطبیقی، تصادفی، چندبیتی و روشهای ترکیبی بررسی خواهند شد. بعد از آن معیارهای ارزیابی کیفیت مثل نسبت حداکثر سیگنال به نویز (PSNR)، میانگین مربعات خطا (MSE) و شاخص شباهت ساختاری (SSIM) معرفی میشوند و در ادامه مزایا و محدودیتهای این روشها بیان میگردد. همچنین مهمترین دادگانها و معیارهای ارزیابی روشهای نهان نگاری در این مطالعه مورد بررسی قرار گرفته است. در پایان نیز چالشهای اصلی و مسیرهای آیندهی تحقیق، مانند استفاده از یادگیری عمیق و روشهای ترکیبی، مطرح خواهند شد.
With the widespread growth of internet usage and continuous data exchange, information security has become a critical concern. Steganography is a technique that enables messages to be imperceptibly hidden within digital files, such as images, in a way that conceals their very existence. Among various steganographic methods, the Least Significant Bit (LSB) technique has attracted significant attention due to its simplicity and the high visual quality of the resulting images. The use of color images further enhances data hiding capacity by providing three color channels (RGB), offering more embedding space.This paper presents a comprehensive review of existing research on color image steganography based on LSB techniques. First, fundamental concepts and color models are introduced. Subsequently, various LSB-based methods are reviewed, including classical LSB, adaptive LSB, randomized LSB, multi-bit LSB, and hybrid approaches. Next, common image quality evaluation metrics such as Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), Mean Squared Error (MSE), and Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) are discussed, followed by an analysis of the advantages and limitations of these methods. In addition, the most widely used datasets and evaluation criteria for image steganography techniques are examined. Finally, key challenges and future research directions, including the integration of deep learning and hybrid steganographic methods, are highlighted.
[1] Rajput, G. G., & Chavan, R. (2017). A Novel Approach for Image Steganography Based on Random LSB Insertion in Color Images. Proceedings of the International Conference on Intelligent Computing Systems (ICICS), Sona College of Technology, Salem, Tamilnadu, India, pp. 1–9.
[2] Juneja, M., & Sandhu, P. S. (2013). An Improved LSB Based Steganography Technique for RGB Color Images. International Journal of Computer and Communication Engineering, 2(4), 513–517
[3] Fridrich, J., Goljan, M., & Du, R. (2001). Detecting LSB steganography in color, and gray-scale images. IEEE MultiMedia, 8(4), 22–28
[4] Mishra, A. K., & Mishra, P. P. (2012). Suitability of LSB Substitution based Steganography for Digital Images: A Study. International Journal of Scientific Research
[5] Viji, G., & Balamurugan, J. (2011). LSB Steganography in Color and Grayscale Images without using the Transformation. Bonfring International Journal of Advances in Image Processing
[6] Li, P., & Lu, A. (2018). LSB-based Steganography Using Reflected Gray Code for Color Quantum Images. International Journal of Theoretical Physics, 57, 1516–1548
[7] Somwanshi, D. R., & Humbe, V. T. (2021). A Secure and Verifiable Color Visual Cryptography Scheme with LSB Based Image Steganography. International Journal of Advanced Trends in Computer Science and Engineering, 10(4)
[8] Sahil, & Sinwar, D. (2018). A Steganography Technique based on chaos for Pseudo-Random LSB Images. International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET), February 2018
[9] Umbarkar, A. J., Kamble, P. R., & Thakre, A. V. (2016). Comparative Study of Edge Based LSB Matching Steganography for Color Images. ICTACT Journal on Image and Video Processing, 6(3), 1185–1191
[10] Alizadeharasi, A., & Safaei Rizi, M. (2015). An Improvement on the Security of Odd-Even-LSB Based Steganography by Adding Encryption. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), ISSN 2319-7064
[11] Sreedhar, G. (2023). Embedding and Extracting Hidden Messages in Images Using LSB-Based Steganography. International Journal of Scientific Research in Computer Science, Engineering and Information Technology
[12] Manjula, Y., & Shivakumar, K. B. (2020). Secured Image Transmission Using Color Transformation Fragmented Mosaic, Chaos Based Encryption and LSB – Mapping Steganography Technique. Bioscience Biotechnology Research Communications, 13(13), 58–66
[13] Hassan, Y. A., & Rahma, A. M. S. (2025). Enhanced Medical Image Steganography Using Improved LSB With Conditional MSB Based on Color Vector Variety. Iraqi Journal of Science, 66(2), 830–843
[14] Muhammad, K., Ahmad, J., Ur Rehman, N., Jan, Z., & Sajjad, M. (2016). CISSKA-LSB: color image steganography using stego key-directed adaptive LSB substitution method. Multimedia Tools and Applications, 76, 8597–8626
[15] Shreelekshmi, R., & Wilscy, M. (2010). Preprocessing Cover Images for More Secure LSB Steganography. International Journal of Computer Theory and Engineering, 2(4), 546–551
[16] Rawat, D., & Bhandari, V. (2013). Steganography Technique for Hiding Text Information in Color Image using Improved LSB Method. International Journal of Computer Applications, 67(1)
[17] Zhang, J., & Zhang, D. (2010). Detection of LSB Matching Steganography in Decompressed Images. IEEE Signal Processing Letters, 17(2), 175–178
[18] Krishna Prasad, T.S.R., Penumudi, V., Tatikonda, S.D.P., Puvvada, K., & Kondapalli, V.R. (2025). An Enhanced Steganography Technique for Hiding Data in Digital Images Based on LSB Substitution Method. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 7(2), Published March-April 2025
[19] Kaur, J. (2014). Steganography using Interpolation and LSB with Cryptography on Video Images - A Review. International Journal of Computer Applications Technology and Research, 3(9), 589–591
[20] Angulo, K., Gil, D., Yáñez, A., & Espitia, H. (2025). Hybrid CNN-NLP Model for Detecting LSB Steganography in Digital Images. Applied System Innovation, 8(4), 107
[21] Zhang, T., & Ping, X. (2003). A new approach to reliable detection of LSB steganography in natural images. Signal Processing, 83(10), 2085–2093
[22] Ibrahim, W. A., & Sheshadri, H. S. (2016). Image Steganography using LSB, LSB+Huffman Code, and LSB+Arithmetic Code. International Journal of Computer Applications, 155(11), 1–5
[23] Koohi, M. (2017). Practicing LSB Steganography in PCA Transform Field. International Journal of Innovative Research in Computer Science & Technology, 5(3), 1–5
[24] Wang, M.-X., Yang, H.-M., Jiang, D.-H., Yan, B., Pan, J.-S., & Liu, T. (2022). A novel quantum color image steganography algorithm based on turtle shell and LSB. Quantum Information Processing, 21(148)
[25] Horng, J.-H., Chang, C.-C., & Li, G.-L. (2020). Steganography using quotient value differencing and LSB substitution for AMBTC compressed images. IEEE Access, 8, 130368–130377
[26] Hussain, A. Z., & Khodher, M. A. A. (2024). Securing medical images using chaotic map encryption and LSB steganography. Revue d'Intelligence Artificielle, 38(1), 313–321
[27] Naveen, P., & Jayaraghavi, R. (2024). Image steganography method for securing multiple images using LSB–GA. Wireless Personal Communications, 135, 1–19
[28] Shehzad, D., & Dag, T. (2019). LSB image steganography based on blocks matrix determinant method. KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems, 13(7), 3512–3528
[29] Rawat, D., & Bhandari, V. (2013). A steganography technique for hiding image in an image using LSB method for 24 bit color image. International Journal of Computer Applications, 64(20), 1–6
[30] Rafat, K. F. (2020). Prudently secure information theoretic LSB steganography for digital grayscale images. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 11(8)
[31] Astuti, E. Z., Setiadi, D. R. I. M., Rachmawanto, E. H., Sari, C. A., & Sarker, M. K. (2020). LSB-based bit flipping methods for color image steganography. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1501(1), 012019
[32] Jain, P., & Kanwal, N. (2016). Image steganography in RGB color components using improved LSB technique image pattern compression using weighted principal components algorithm. Indian Journal of Science and Technology, 9(45), 1-4
[33] Kaushal, S., & Kakkar, A. (2018). LSB based steganography techniques for secured communication. International Journal of Computer Applications, 181(10), 1-4
[34] Chaturvedi, A. K., Sharma, A., & Sharma, K. (2018). Analysis on LSB based detection methods and hiding strategies with color images. International Journal of Computer Sciences and Engineering, 6(7), 687-692
[35] Hussain, A. Z., & Khodher, M. A. A. (2024). Securing medical images using encryption and LSB steganography. Revue d'Intelligence Artificielle, 38(1), 313-321
[36] Hashem, S. H., & Zgair, E. T. (2017). Review study among traditional LSB, proposed modified LSB and DWT steganography algorithm. Al-Mansour Journal, 27, 37-56
[37] Kolakalur, A., Kagalidis, I., & Vuksanovic, B. (2016). Wavelet based color video steganography. International Journal of Engineering and Technology, 8(3), 165-169
[38] Yahia, F., & Abushaala, A. (2024). Cryptography and steganography based on hybrid edge detection and LSB comparing with traditional LSB. The International Journal of Engineering & Information Technology (IJEIT), 12(1), Special Issue
[39] Katre, B., & Bharti, B. (2017). Dynamic key based LSB technique for steganography. International Journal of Computer Applications, 167(13), 1–X
[40] Patel, N., & Meena, S. (2016). LSB based image steganography using dynamic key cryptography. 2016 International Conference on Emerging Trends in Communication Technologies (ETCT), 18–19 Nov., IEEE
[41] Kolakalur, A., Kagalidis, I., & Vuksanovic, B. (2016). Wavelet based color video steganography. International Journal of Engineering and Technology, 8(3), 165–169
[42] Solichin, A., & Painem. (2016). Motion-based less significant frame for improving LSB-based video steganography. 2016 International Seminar on Application for Technology of Information and Communication (ISemantic), 225–229
[43] Shukla, I., Joshi, A., & Girme, S. (2023). LSB Steganography Mechanism to Hide Texts Within Images Backed with Layers of Encryption. 2023 16th International Conference on Security of Information and Networks (SIN), 1–6
[44] Hussain, Z. M. (2015). Steganography Using Energy-LSB Embedded Method. Al-Mansour Journal, 23, 87–100
[45] Solak, S., & Altınışık, U. (2019). A new approach for Steganography: Bit shifting operation of encrypted data in LSB (SED-LSB). Bilişim Teknolojileri Dergisi (Journal of Information Technologies), 12(1), 75–81
[46] Kalita, M., Tuithung, T., & Majumder, S. (2019). An adaptive color image steganography method using adjacent pixel value differencing and LSB substitution technique. Cryptologia, 43(6), 414–437
[47] Pehlivanoğlu, M. K., Savaş, B. K., & Duru, N. (2015). LSB based steganography over video files using Koblitz's Method. 2015 23nd Signal Processing and Communications Applications Conference (SIU), IEEE
[48] Liu, Q., Sung, A. H., Chen, Z., & Xu, J. (2008). Feature mining and pattern classification for steganalysis of LSB matching steganography in grayscale images. Pattern Recognition, 41(1), 56–66
[49] Dagar, E., & Dagar, S. (2014). LSB based image steganography using X-Box mapping. 2014 International Conference on Advances in Computing, Communications and Informatics (ICACCI), IEEE, pp. 24–27 September 2014, Delhi, India
[50] AlKhuwaytiri, R. M. M., & Olaymi, S. E. Z. (2021). LSB based Digital Image Steganography System. International Journal of Computer Applications, 174(17), 1–6
[51] Hossein Malekmohamadi, Shahrokh Ghaemmaghami, 2009, Steganalysis of LSB based image steganography using spatial and frequency domain features, Proceedings of the 2009 IEEE International Conference on Multimedia and Expo (ICME), IEEE
[52] Laiali Almazaydeh, 2020, Secure RGB image steganography based on modified LSB substitution, International Journal of Embedded Systems (IJES), Vol. 12, No. 4
[53] H. S. Manjunatha Reddy, K. B. Raja, 2012, Hybrid Domain based Steganography using BPS, LSB and IWT, International Journal of Computer Applications, Vol. 54, No. 3
[54] Heo, J., & Jeong, J. (2021). Deceptive Techniques to Hide a Compressed Video Stream for Information Security. Sensors, 21(21), 7200.
