Blockchain-integrated image steganography using xDoG edge detection for authentication

Abstract

The fusion of image steganography with blockchain technology have brought about novel prospects for safe and decentralized authentication systems in recent years. In this paper, we propose a blockchain-based authentication system that makes use of eXtended Difference of Gaussians (xDoG) edge detection in steganography domain. Here, the xDoG edge detection captures both major and subtle edges for a more detailed and nuanced edge map. Other parameters viz. edge thickness, contrast and brightness etc. may be fine-tuned, making it more prominent. The principle behind embedding the secret image inside the cover image is to conceal more secret bits in the edge pixels and fewer bits in the non-edge pixels. The Stego-image obtained through the process is conveyed to the intended recipient using a public channel. The sender computes a hash value from the Stego-image and records the same in the blockchain network which makes illegal access and data tampering more stimulating. Blockchain's intrinsic immutability and decentralized structure are exploited to verify the authenticity and integrity of the Stego-image, allows the receiver to extract out the hidden content and, thereby firming resistance against attacks. Simulation result ensures that the proposed method attain an average payload of up to 3.43 bpp. The average PSNR in this trial consistently stays above 34 dB, and the SSIM never falls below 0.93, guaranteeing that the Stego-images' image quality is both very acceptable and better than that of the state-of-the-art techniques. To confirm the findings, the StegExpose and SR-Net are also used to assess the security of the Stego-image.