earticle

영어

In this paper, we propose a highly secure technique for hiding confidential data in the lower bits of image pixels using multiple encryption methods. In the proposed technique, in order to preserve the characteristics of the boundary where the image outline exists, 1 bit of confidential data encrypted multiple times is hidden in the LSB (Least Significant Bit) of the pixel existing on the boundary. In the pixels existing in the flat surface where the pixel value of the image has little change, 2 bits of confidential data encrypted multiple times are variably hidden in the lower 2 bits including the LSB. When the encrypted confidential data is hidden by applying the proposed technique, the image quality of the stego image is up to 49.69 dB, and the amount of confidential data hidden is increased by up to 92.2% compared to the existing LSB method. If there are no encryption key values, the encrypted confidential data hidden in the stego image cannot be extracted. Even if the confidential data encrypted multiple times is extracted from the stego image, the encrypted confidential data cannot be decrypted without the encryption key values, so the security of the confidential data hidden in the stego image is maintained very strongly. The proposed technique can be effectively used to hide copyrightrelated confidential information in general commercial images such as webtoons, where reversible confidential data hiding techniques do not need to be applied.