Security Of Image With Variably Modified Permutation Composition (VMPC) Cryptographic Algorithm And Least Significant Bit (LSB) Steganography Algorithm With Insertion At Green Point
Introduction
In the current digital age, image files are one of the general formats for exchanging information. However, vulnerability to threats from third parties who try to access this information is an important concern. Therefore, there needs to be a method to secure the image not only through cryptography, but also by combining them with steganography techniques. This study uses the Variably Modified Permutation Composition (VMPC) cryptographic algorithm, which is a symmetrical cryptographic algorithm, to secure the secret image of BMP format (*.BMP). To increase the level of security, the VMPC algorithm is combined with the Least Significant Bit (LSB) steganography algorithm.
Background
Image security has become a crucial aspect in today's digital world. With the increasing use of image files for various purposes, such as communication, entertainment, and education, the need to protect these files from unauthorized access has become a pressing concern. Cryptography and steganography are two techniques that can be used to secure image files. Cryptography involves the use of algorithms to encrypt and decrypt data, while steganography involves the hiding of data within a cover image. In this study, we will explore the use of the VMPC cryptographic algorithm and the LSB steganography algorithm to secure image files.
Image Security Methodology
In the LSB algorithm, the information insertion process is carried out by replacing the four right-most bits of the green component (green pixel) in the cover image (cover image) with the encryption results of the secret image. The result of this process is the image of the stego (stego image) which still maintains visual quality similar to the original closing image.
The VMPC cryptographic algorithm is a symmetrical cryptographic algorithm that uses a permutation function to encrypt and decrypt data. The algorithm works by dividing the plaintext into blocks and then applying a permutation function to each block. The permutation function is a combination of a substitution box and a permutation box. The substitution box is used to substitute each bit of the plaintext with a different bit, while the permutation box is used to rearrange the bits of the plaintext.
Image Quality Analysis
To evaluate the image quality produced, this study calculates the Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) between the closing image and the Stego image. MSE provides information about how much difference between the two images, while PSNR shows the level of image quality of Stego compared to the closing image.
The results of the analysis show that along with the increase in the size of the pixel from a secret image, a closing image with a larger pixel image is needed to maintain the quality of insertion. This is because the larger the pixel size, the more bits are required to represent the pixel value, and therefore, the more bits are available for insertion.
Important Findings
The results obtained show that Stego's image has a small MSE value and high PSNR value. This indicates that the difference between the closing image that has not been inserted with the image that has been inserted is very minimal. Therefore, the combination method between VMPC cryptography and LSB steganography has proven to be effective in securing the image without causing significant changes to the visual quality of the image.
Conclusion
The use of the VMPC and LSB algorithm in this study shows that the merging of cryptographic and steganography techniques can provide additional protection layers for image files. This method not only maintains the confidentiality of information, but also maintains the quality of the image so it is difficult to recognize by a third party. Thus, this study offers useful solutions to improve the security of information stored in the form of images.
Future Work
Future studies can explore the use of other cryptographic and steganography algorithms to secure image files. Additionally, the study can be extended to include the use of other image formats, such as JPEG and PNG. Furthermore, the study can be used to develop a secure image sharing system that uses the VMPC and LSB algorithm to secure image files.
References
- [1] A. M. Youssef and A. M. Salem, "A new symmetric-key block cipher based on the VMPC permutation," Journal of Cryptology, vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 251-274, 2010.
- [2] J. Fridrich, "Symmetric ciphers based on two-dimensional chaotic maps," IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems II: Analog and Digital Signal Processing, vol. 45, no. 10, pp. 1338-1341, 1998.
- [3] C. C. Chang, C. C. Lin, and H. C. Chen, "A steganographic method using the least significant bit substitution," Journal of Systems and Software, vol. 81, no. 11, pp. 1931-1941, 2008.
Appendices
- A.1: VMPC Algorithm Implementation The VMPC algorithm is implemented using the following steps:
- Divide the plaintext into blocks of 8 bits each.
- Apply the permutation function to each block.
- Substitute each bit of the plaintext with a different bit using the substitution box.
- Rearrange the bits of the plaintext using the permutation box.
- Repeat steps 2-4 for each block of the plaintext.
- A.2: LSB Algorithm Implementation The LSB algorithm is implemented using the following steps:
- Divide the cover image into blocks of 8x8 pixels each.
- Replace the four right-most bits of the green component (green pixel) in each block with the encryption results of the secret image.
- Repeat step 2 for each block of the cover image.
- A.3: Image Quality Analysis The image quality analysis is performed using the following steps:
- Calculate the MSE between the closing image and the Stego image.
- Calculate the PSNR between the closing image and the Stego image.
- Repeat steps 1-2 for each block of the cover image.
Security of Image with the Cryptographic Algorithm Variably Modified Permutation Composition (VMPC) and Steganography Algorithm Least Significant Bit (LSB) with Insertion at the Green Point: Q&A
Introduction
In our previous article, we discussed the use of the Variably Modified Permutation Composition (VMPC) cryptographic algorithm and the Least Significant Bit (LSB) steganography algorithm to secure image files. In this article, we will answer some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to this topic.
Q: What is the VMPC algorithm?
A: The VMPC algorithm is a symmetrical cryptographic algorithm that uses a permutation function to encrypt and decrypt data. It works by dividing the plaintext into blocks and then applying a permutation function to each block.
Q: What is the LSB algorithm?
A: The LSB algorithm is a steganography algorithm that involves hiding data within a cover image. It works by replacing the four right-most bits of the green component (green pixel) in the cover image with the encryption results of the secret image.
Q: How does the VMPC algorithm secure the image?
A: The VMPC algorithm secures the image by encrypting the plaintext using a permutation function. This makes it difficult for unauthorized parties to access the encrypted data.
Q: How does the LSB algorithm secure the image?
A: The LSB algorithm secures the image by hiding the encrypted data within the cover image. This makes it difficult for unauthorized parties to detect the hidden data.
Q: What is the advantage of using the VMPC and LSB algorithm together?
A: The advantage of using the VMPC and LSB algorithm together is that it provides additional protection layers for image files. This method not only maintains the confidentiality of information, but also maintains the quality of the image so it is difficult to recognize by a third party.
Q: What are the limitations of the VMPC and LSB algorithm?
A: The limitations of the VMPC and LSB algorithm are that it may not be suitable for large images, and it may require a significant amount of computational resources to encrypt and decrypt the data.
Q: Can the VMPC and LSB algorithm be used for other types of data?
A: Yes, the VMPC and LSB algorithm can be used for other types of data, such as text and audio files.
Q: How can the VMPC and LSB algorithm be implemented in practice?
A: The VMPC and LSB algorithm can be implemented in practice using various programming languages, such as C++ and Python.
Q: What are the future directions of research in this area?
A: The future directions of research in this area include exploring the use of other cryptographic and steganography algorithms to secure image files, and developing a secure image sharing system that uses the VMPC and LSB algorithm to secure image files.
Q: What are the potential applications of the VMPC and LSB algorithm?
A: The potential applications of the VMPC and LSB algorithm include secure image sharing, secure data storage, and secure communication.
Q: What are the potential risks associated with the VMPC and LSB algorithm?
A: The potential risks associated with the VMPC and LSB algorithm include the possibility of data loss or corruption during encryption and decryption, and the possibility of unauthorized access to the encrypted data.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the VMPC and LSB algorithm is a powerful tool for securing image files. By combining the strengths of both algorithms, it provides additional protection layers for image files, making it difficult for unauthorized parties to access the encrypted data. However, it also has some limitations, such as requiring a significant amount of computational resources to encrypt and decrypt the data. Therefore, it is essential to carefully evaluate the potential risks and benefits of using the VMPC and LSB algorithm in practice.
References
- [1] A. M. Youssef and A. M. Salem, "A new symmetric-key block cipher based on the VMPC permutation," Journal of Cryptology, vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 251-274, 2010.
- [2] J. Fridrich, "Symmetric ciphers based on two-dimensional chaotic maps," IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems II: Analog and Digital Signal Processing, vol. 45, no. 10, pp. 1338-1341, 1998.
- [3] C. C. Chang, C. C. Lin, and H. C. Chen, "A steganographic method using the least significant bit substitution," Journal of Systems and Software, vol. 81, no. 11, pp. 1931-1941, 2008.
Appendices
- A.1: VMPC Algorithm Implementation The VMPC algorithm is implemented using the following steps:
- Divide the plaintext into blocks of 8 bits each.
- Apply the permutation function to each block.
- Substitute each bit of the plaintext with a different bit using the substitution box.
- Rearrange the bits of the plaintext using the permutation box.
- Repeat steps 2-4 for each block of the plaintext.
- A.2: LSB Algorithm Implementation The LSB algorithm is implemented using the following steps:
- Divide the cover image into blocks of 8x8 pixels each.
- Replace the four right-most bits of the green component (green pixel) in each block with the encryption results of the secret image.
- Repeat step 2 for each block of the cover image.
- A.3: Image Quality Analysis The image quality analysis is performed using the following steps:
- Calculate the MSE between the closing image and the Stego image.
- Calculate the PSNR between the closing image and the Stego image.
- Repeat steps 1-2 for each block of the cover image.