Audio Steganography Algorithm Based On Phase Coding

Abstract Given the exponential growth of data transmission over the Internet, ensuring digital security has emerged as a paramount concern. In response to this, various disciplines, such as steganography, have been developed. Steganography operates on the principle of concealing confidential information within a carrier medium, thereby keeping it hidden from prying eyes. In this study, we present a MATLAB-based steganography algorithm tailored for audio signals as the carrier medium. Leveraging the Fourier Transform, we employ the phase spectrum of the chosen audio signal to embed information. Our approach includes the introduction of five distinct methods within the transformed domain, along with the implementation of one method in the time domain for comparative purposes. These methods are evaluated based on their embeddability and imperceptibility. The assessment of imperceptibility is conducted using both objective and subjective metrics. While the \textit{temporal method} exhibits the highest embedding capability, \textit{methods one, three, and four} excel in terms of imperceptibility, as indicated by objective results. Interestingly, methods three and four demonstrate superior performance in the subjective evaluation.