Steganography is the practice of hiding a message within another medium, such as an image, audio file, or text, in a way that conceals the existence of the message itself. Unlike encryption, which transforms a message into a coded format, steganography aims to keep the message hidden in plain sight.

Key Concepts:

• Hiding Information: Steganography can be used to embed secret messages within innocuous-looking files. For example, a text message can be hidden within an image file by altering the least significant bits of the pixel values.


• Types of Steganography:
  
  
  
  • Image Steganography: Hiding data within image files (e.g., JPEG, PNG) by manipulating pixel values.
  
  
  • Audio Steganography: Embedding information within audio files by altering sound waves.
  
  
  • Text Steganography: Concealing messages within text by using specific patterns, such as the first letter of each word.
  
  
• Applications: Steganography is used for various purposes, including secure communication, digital watermarking, and copyright protection. It can also be employed in covert operations or to protect sensitive information.

Steganography is a fascinating field that combines art and science, allowing for the secure transmission of information while keeping it hidden from prying eyes. Understanding its principles can enhance your awareness of data security and the various methods used to protect sensitive information.