Secure document and image transmission through an encrypted network system

Abstract

Data communication and networks as a field gives high priority to data and network security. Presently, internet security issues have become very critical in sharing information. Perhaps, there is need for robust techniques for the protection of data shared via unsecured network channels. Since cryptography is a technique for securing plain text messages such as encrypted key exchange and authentication but reveals when and where communication is taking place, while steganography hides the existence of data to be transmitted. Thus, there is need for a tool that combines these two techniques in a single data transmission. As such, this paper intends to develop an application that combines both features of cryptography and steganography techniques for secure communication. The application is a cross-platform tool that can effectively hide information in many different carrier file formats such as image, audio or digital video file. The study adopt the requirements of Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Least Significant Bit (LSB) algorithm in order to come up with best technique that is more robust in securing confidential documents and images. The developed App accepts different file formats when hiding plaintext, messages, and images. The App is recommended to government security agencies, financial institutions, e-commerce websites/app, educational bodies, and individuals in sending personal data online.