A novel image steganography method based on DCT and LSB

Image steganography is the study of embedding sensitive information in images without distorting their visual quality. In this paper, we have proposed an efficient image steganography algorithm to embed the secret image in the cover image. In this scheme, the secret image is encrypted that refers to the transformation of the secret data with Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) compound with its hash file that is secured by a secret key. By this means, the embedded image is transformed into a noise-like cipher image called random noise in steganography methods with its HMAC file. The randomness property of the resultant image reduces the possibility of its detection by the human visual system (HVS) and steganalysis techniques. Next, LSB substitution method is employed to embed the transformed image in the cover image. To authenticate the image at the receiver side, the HMAC of the secret image is embedded in the cover image using LSB method. Simulation results have verified the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.