Implementation of embedded messages using steganography in the PHP software package

Abstract

The term steganography is usually associated with hiding and concealing information and messages. People, and even IT professionals, very rarely come into contact with steganography and steganalysis. Only messages are protected by cryptographic protection, while steganography can be said to protect both messages and parties participating in the communication. Steganography also means hiding messages inside computer files and data streams. This paper provides an overview of the implementation of embedded messages using steganography in the PHP software package. Emphasis is placed on hiding information, i.e. messages in JPEG images. As well as decoding or reading a hidden message. The field of steganography is naturally linked to the field of steganalysis, the primary goal of which is the detection of a hidden message, and then its extraction from the object of the message carrier. The most commonly used method for hiding messages is LSB, it is a method that changes the least significant bits to match the secret message. Then, by passing the steganographic key, the message is encrypted using the RC4 algorithm.