Enhanced Image Steganography Using Customized Differences between the Neighboring Pixels
Maulana Alirridlo, Adifa Widyadhani Chanda D’Layla, Ntivuguruzwa Jean De La Croix, Tohari Ahmad · 2025
In the digital era, safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access is paramount. Image steganography, which inconspicuously embeds data into visual media, has emerged as a promising solution. However, balancing data embedding capacity with image quality remains a challenge. This study introduces a novel steganographic method that optimizes visual fidelity and payload capacity by utilizing customized differences between neighboring pixels within grouped blocks. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, achieving a Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) of up to 48.99 dB and a Mean Squared Error (MSE) as low as 1.20 on complex images like “Baboon.” Additionally, Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM) values consistently reach a perfect 1.00 across several test cases. The method also achieves a significant payload increase, embedding up to 119,496 bits in the “Resolution Chart” image. By leveraging the precise control over pixel differences, this study introduces a new paradigm in steganography, addressing the trade-off between capacity and quality while ensuring imperceptibility and high efficiency.