PassLok Image Steganography

PASSLOK STEGO: IMAGE STEGANOGRAPHY VIA ENHANCED F5 ALGORITHM PassLok Stego is a specialized tool for the secure embedding of data within digital images. It utilizes an enhanced implementation of A. Westfeld's F5 algorithm, designed to mitigate statistical traces detectable through standard steganalysis. This methodology was presented at the ForenSecure 2017 conference on Cyber Forensics and Information Security. TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION ARCHITECTURE: This extension operates as a purely client-side utility. All cryptographic and embedding operations occur within the browser's local memory; no external network calls are required for core functionality. DATA DISTRIBUTION: The engine employs a Pseudorandom Number Generator (PRNG) to distribute hidden data across image pixels. This non-linear distribution is a critical component in providing resistance to forensic discovery. PLAUSIBLE DENIABILITY: The implementation supports the embedding of a short secondary message protected by an independent password. This feature is designed for high-risk scenarios where the presence of the primary hidden message may be compromised. OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS FORMAT SUPPORT: Data can be embedded into JPG or PNG carriers. PNG is recommended for larger data payloads where pixel-perfect integrity is required. ENTROPY HARDENING: We recommend the use of high-entropy passwords to initialize the embedding process. Without the correct key, it is computationally difficult to distinguish an altered image from a standard carrier. PROCEDURES I. EMBEDDING DATA Input or load the target data into the primary interface. Select a cover image (JPG or PNG) to serve as the carrier. Define the initialization password. Execute the "Hide into PNG" or "Hide into JPG" routine. Save the resulting image locally via the browser's context menu. II. EXTRACTING DATA Load the carrier image containing the hidden data. Provide the original initialization password. Ensure the "Compress" and "Smart Pwd" parameters match the original embedding settings. Execute "Reveal" to extract the data payload. LICENSE AND METADATA AUTHOR: Francisco Ruiz, Associate Professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology. LICENSE: Open Source software released under the GNU General Public License v3.0. ECOSYSTEM INTEGRATION: The algorithm used here serves as the core steganography engine for the Privacy Bar extension (https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/privacy-bar/objpfdibjogbdpjjpomnoaflkgdeaanb). AUDIT AND ADOPTION: The source code (specifically plstego.js) is available for public audit and community adoption on GitHub at: https://github.com/fruiz500/PassLok-stego. "Don't Trust. Verify."