🖼️🔒Secure Data Hiding using Steganography

Image steganography is the technique of hiding a secret message within an image in such a way that the original image remains unaltered to the human eye.

🔍Overview

This project involves creating a Python-based steganography tool that allows users to securely embed text message within cover image mypic1.jpeg. Using a user-provided password and the encryption program encrypt1.py, the tool encrypts and hides the message, producing an encrypted image named encryptedImage.png. A separate decryption program decrypt1.py will retrieve the hidden message using the correct password. This solution ensures confidential communication via image-based steganography.

🚀Features

• Secure Embedding: The tool allows users to securely embed text messages within cover images.
• Encryption: Utilizes a user-provided password to encrypt and hide the message within the cover image mypic1.jpeg.
• Output Image: Generates an encrypted image named encryptedImage.png.
• Decryption Program: A separate program accepts the encrypted image and correct password to retrieve and display the hidden message.
• Confidential Communication: Ensures that the message remains confidential and accessible only to individuals with the correct decryption password.

🔧Requirements

• Python 3.x
• OpenCV

📦 Installation

Ensure you have Python 3.x installed, then install the required library:

 pip install opencv-python

Clone the repository:

https://github.com/RajatB29/secure-data-hiding-using-steganography1.git

⚡ Usage

🔒 Encrypt a Message into an Image

 python encrypt1.py

• Enter the image path (supports .png, .jpg, .jpeg).
• Enter the output file name (must be .png).
• Provide the secret message to hide.
• Set a passcode for protection.
• The encrypted image is saved!

🔑 Decrypt a Hidden Message

 python decrypt1.py

• Enter the path of the encrypted image.
• Enter the correct passcode.
• Enter the message length (starts from 1)
• The secret message is revealed!

⚠️ Notes & Warnings

• You can use Python IDLE or Visual Studio Code to execute.
• Ensure that the cover image exists in the same folder as the programs.
• The output image must be saved in PNG format to preserve the hidden data.
• If the passcode is incorrect, the message cannot be retrieved.
• Large messages may not fit in small images — use a high-resolution image.

Screenshot

📜 License

• This project is open-source and free to use!