Enhancing Shared Image Security in Networked Environments: A Digital Watermarking Approach

Abstract

This paper presents an innovative technique to safeguard sensitive medical images like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans from unauthorized access and dissemination. The proposed approach leverages a combination of wavelet and discrete cosine transforms to embed hospital logos and patient information directly within the images. To enhance security and resilience against tampering, the embedded data is first hashed using the robust SHA-256 algorithm. Experimental results demonstrate remarkable performance, achieving a peak signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 50 dB, indicating minimal image distortion, and impressive resistance against various attacks. This approach can potentially revolutionize medical image management, safeguarding sensitive information and fostering a more secure healthcare network.