Varying index varying bits substitution algorithm for the implementation of VLSB steganography

Variable least significant bits (VLSB) steganography is a pretty powerful and secure technique for data hiding in cover images, having variable data hiding capacity, signal-to-noise ratio, peak signal-to-noise ratio, and mean square error (MSE). This study presents a new algorithm for the implementation of VLSB steganography named varying index varying bits substitution (VIVBS). The VIVBS algorithm is a very secure, high capacity, flexible, and statistically unpredictable mechanism to conceal information in cover images. The method uses a secret stego-key comprising a reference point, and variation of the number of bits to be hidden with varying indices of pixels in the cover image. The secret key adds an extra feature of security to steganography, making it much immune to steganalysis. The VIVBS algorithm is capable of providing variable data hiding capacity and variable key size which can be changed by changing the range of least significant bits used. A data hiding capacity of 43.75% with a negligible MSE 14.67 dB has been achieved using the VIVBS algorithm. For larger data hiding capacity, the MSE and distortion increases significantly which make the existence of information predictable but the key size also increases significantly, making the retrieval of hidden information difficult for the unauthorized person.