Cryptography and steganography are important aspects of network security. Network security has become a vital part of the modern communication system. The dire need for network security was arisen to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of the data. So as to guard it against the un-authorised access. The steganography hides the traces of communication while cryptography uses encryption to make the message unable to understand. In this article, we will discuss about the major differences between cryptography and steganography.
So read on the full article to know the differences between cryptography and steganography.
Cryptography
- Cryptography is a technique of protecting information by converting it into an unreadable format. For this the use of algorithms and mathematical concepts takes place.
- In simple language, Secret Writing means Cryptography. This sender does not send information or message directly to the receiver.
- Before sending a message to the receiver it is converted into coded text (by using encryption algorithm).
- Then send it to the receiver and receiver decrypt the coded text into a message to read the original information.
- In Cryptography, data is encrypted by using two kinds of keys:
Public Key Cryptography or (Symmetric Key Cryptography):
In this cryptography same key is helpful to encrypt or decrypt information or message.
Private Key Cryptography or (Asymmetric Key Cryptography):
In this cryptography two different kinds of keys i.e. a secret key and a public key are used which are mathematically related to each other.
Also Read-What is Cyber Security and Why is it Important?
Steganography
The ancient practice of hiding data (in any appearance like an image, audio or text etc.) in a simple way for another purpose is known as steganography.
- In this technique, the secret information is converted into a bogus message.
- It is less famous than cryptography.
- Moreover, the structure of the data could not be changed in steganography.
- It permits us to transfer messages without any suspicion.
Four Kinds of Steganography are as below :
1. Text,
2. Image,
3. Audio,
4. Video
Now let us discuss the key difference between Steganography and Cryptography
Also Read- What is Dark data? Where it is used?
Difference between steganography and cryptography
Parameters | Steganography | Cryptography |
| Definition | Cover Writing | Secret Writing |
| Objective | Maintaining survival of a message secret, Secret communication | Maintaining contents of a message secret, Data protection |
| Carrier | Several digital media | Usually, text-based |
| Input Files | At least two | One |
| Key | Optional | Necessary |
| Visibility | Never | Always |
| Security Service Offered | Authentication, Confidentiality, Identification | Confidentiality, Identification, Data Integrity and Authentication Non-repudiation |
| Type of Attack | scrutiny of a file with a target of finding whether it is a real file or not is called Steganalysis | Cryptanalysis |
| Attacks | Broken when attacker reveals that steganography has been used known as Steganalysis | Broken when an attacker can understand the secret message known as Cryptanalysis |
| Result | Stego file | Cipher text |
| Application | Used for securing information against potential eavesdroppers | Used for securing information against potential eavesdroppers |
| Implementation | transform domain, Spatial domain, distortion, etc. | public-key encryption, private key encryption, etc. |
| Goal | To assist in secret communication, it conceals the occurrence of any exchange between the sender and receiver. | It encrypts the contents of the visible message to save the data. |
| Counter Steps | Use of data refining, rigid protocol specifications, observe data exchanges, carry out analyses which involve looking for structural indications of manipulation | Use of reverse engineering to split difficult algorithms execute cryptography export laws which disallow the transmission of such technology or devices between countries |
| Concealment method | The message which is embedded is invisible to an unaware viewer | The encrypted message which is encrypted is unreadable to everyone without the decryption key. |
Conclusion
I hope this article works for you. In this blog, I have discussed the main difference between steganography and cryptography. The dire need for network security was arisen to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of the data. If you are having any doubt, ask me freely in the comment box.
