Data hiding techniques
Data hiding refers to a technique for software development that is mainly employed in hiding the details of internal objects by using object-oriented programming (OOP). There are many issues and effort that has been put to ensure there is security in information systems. With the advent of information systems, there are many factors that are to be considered. Privacy is a matter of great concern to most individuals and hence this process of hiding data enhances integrity of information and does not allow access of confidential dada of information to unauthorized persons. One way of hiding data is by use of an Alternative data stream (ADS) that is sustained by the New Technology File System (NTFS).
It is indeed a great technological advancement to use the Alternative Data Stream(ADS) which has been formatted as New Technology File System(NTFS) and enables the data to be to be stored in a steam which is separate from any other folder. The use of NTSF stream to store data makes the data invisible to text searches, internet explorer and other routine searches hence ensuring that data is well hidden. Although the use of alternative data stream to hide data proves to be of great use, there seem to exist other destructive uses associated with this technique. One such malpractice that may result is hacking of information and data, this is due to the fact that Alternative Data Streams (ADS) are absolutely very easy to make and little skills are required or necessitate no skill at all. This encourages hackers since they can easily and conveniently develop the Alternate Data Streams (ADS) to hack information.
Alternatively, another method /technique which can be employed in data hiding are by use of root kits. As defined by , a root kit simply implies a furtive form of malicious software designated to prevent normal detection of certain programs and processes by hiding them hence enhancing some individuals who are advantaged to continue getting access to certain information in a computer.
The installation process of root kit entails some small process and once it has been installed, the possibility of hiding data from interruptions and the maintenance of advantaged access to information is enhanced. Steganography refers to the skill of writing that is concealed and purposefully enables a third party restriction to information access. This is enabled by designing or encoding a massage in such a way only the sender and the intended recipient will understand it. The presence of steganography can be detected by employing a process that is facilitated by two forms of tools. This can be done by carrying out a physical examination and can be done by the method of steganalysis which is a computing technique. A physical examination is desired to enable detection of steganography; this will incorporate the use of ultraviolet light, developer chemicals and might also include magnification. Although it might be time consuming, it will eventually enable the detection of presence of physical steganography. Steganalysis is a computing technique that enables detection of packages that are encoded in a steganographical way and by so doing; it also destroys the original message which is the method of detecting steganography and destroying the original message. Steganalysis puts a lot of focal point on the aspect of message destruction which enables the detection of any traces of steganography that might be present.
Reference
Bender, W., Gruhl, D., Morimoto, N., & Lu, A. (1996). Techniques for data hiding. IBM systems journal, 35(3.4), 313-336.
Sparks, S., & Butler, J. (2005). Shadow Walker”: Raising the bar for rootkit detection. Black Hat Japan, 504-533.
Katzenbeisser, S., & Petitolas, F. (2000). Information Hiding Techniques for Steganography and Digital Watermaking.
