Hybrid Transform Technique for Robust Steganography on Red Component

Abstract

The dynamic field of image steganography is witnessing remarkable advancements with the introduction of sophisticated techniques designed to bolster the security of digital data. A novel approach that has garnered attention involves leveraging grayscale picture steganography within the YIQ color space, aiming to provide a more secure method for protecting images. This innovative strategy necessitates the conversion of the carrier image from the conventional RGB color space to the YIQ color space, a process pivotal for the successful application of this steganographic method. The YIQ color space is particularly suited for this purpose due to its structure, which separates the luminance component (Y) from the chrominance components (I and Q). This separation is advantageous for steganography as it allows for the embedding of sensitive information within the luminance component, thus minimizing the impact on the image's color attributes. By converting sensitive information into a grayscale image, this method ensures that the data can be discreetly embedded into the Y component of the YIQ color space. The integrity of the I and Q components is preserved during this process, maintaining the original color characteristics of the carrier image while securely concealing the information. A crucial aspect of this approach is the use of a reliable steganographic technique during the embedding process. This technique must ensure that the grayscale image is seamlessly integrated into the Y component without compromising the quality of the carrier image. The effectiveness of this method is measured through two critical metrics: the Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) and the Mean Square Error (MSE). High PSNR values indicate a high degree of similarity between the original and the stego image, suggesting that the embedding process has minimally affected the image quality. Simultaneously, minimal MSE values reflect the low error rate in the reconstructed image, further affirming the method's ability to maintain the integrity of the original image. The proposed algorithm, which utilizes grayscale image steganography within the YIQ color space, represents a significant advancement in enhancing the security of digital communications. By ensuring high PSNR and low MSE in the extracted image, this method demonstrates its efficacy in concealing sensitive information while preserving the visual quality of the carrier image. As such, it opens new avenues for the development of secure communication techniques, underscoring the potential for continued innovation in the field of steganography. This approach not only enhances current communication security protocols but also lays the groundwork for future exploration and development in this ever-evolving domain.