What is Steganography?

Understanding Steganography

Hiding something within something else, or data hidden within other data. Steganography is the practice of concealing information within other non-secret data or a physical object to avoid detection. Unlike encryption, which makes data unreadable but detectable, steganography hides the very existence of the secret communication. Common methods include hiding data in images, audio files, or text. Steganographic techniques are addressed in data protection frameworks and specialized research. Organizations defend against malicious steganography through content analysis, file integrity monitoring, and restrictions on unauthorized communication channels. For example, a government agency with classified information might implement security controls that scan for steganographic content in outbound communications, restrict file types that commonly hide steganographic data, and monitor for suspicious file access patterns that could indicate data exfiltration attempts using steganography. Related terms: Information hiding, Covert channel, Digital watermarking, Data exfiltration, Cryptography, Hidden data, Steganalysis, Null cipher.