Enhanced image steganographic technique based on discrete wavelet transform and histogram shifting

Abstract

A excessive need on digital information in the current years increases the need to shield its secrecy. High capacity, imperceptibility and lossless hiding method in digital images have been proposed in this paper. However, Cryptographic techniques are used as a better solution for securing the data but in nature the encrypted data attracts the attackers. In order to overcome the issues found in security data hiding techniques are found to be an alternative solution. Hiding data based on wavelet transforms helps in maintaining visual quality of an image. Discrete Haar Wavelet Transform (DHWT) is used to convert an image into wavelet coefficients. The data is embedded in medical images and standard images based on Histogram Shifting. This technique uses pixel difference in cover image and peak point belongs to histogram is selected to protect the information which increases the hiding capacity. The experimental results shows good imperceptibility and hiding capacity compared to other existing data hiding techniques.