An Improved Zig Zag Pixel Selection Approach in LSB Based Secure Image Steganography

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.