Abstract:
Steganography is a method that employs cryptographic techniques to encrypt sensitive
information, thus facilitating the transmission of confidential data from the sender to the receiver
over the transmission channel. Despite the fact that this data is not readily detectable, an intruder
would have a difficult time capturing it. In this paper, investigates an innovative approach for
image steganography that combines the Zigzag Pixel Selection technique with the Blowfish
encryption algorithm in order to bolster the security and capacity of concealed data. The encryption
procedure incorporates the Blowfish algorithm to ensure strong security of sensitive data, whereas
the Zigzag Pixel Selection technique assures covert integration within the image. Blowfish is an
exceptionally robust algorithm due to the variable length of its keys, which can vary between 32
bits and 448 bits. The previously mentioned flexibility empowers users to modify the key size in
accordance with their particular security needs. Data security is enhanced and resistance to brute-
force attacks is generally improved with an extended key. Zigzag patterns are often used in various
algorithms for data traversal or manipulation. In the context of image processing, a zigzag pattern
might be employed for pixel selection or scanning order. The basic idea is to traverse the pixels in
a zigzag fashion rather than a simple left-to-right, top-to-bottom order. Our contribution is to
improve the capacity of hidden data while embedding by using a 4-directional pixel selection
technique.
