Advancing image steganography: PRISMA-ScR based analysis of spatial domain techniques
摘要
This study addresses the imperative for advanced information security techniques in the ever-evolving world of data, focusing on spatial domain-based image steganography as a viable solution for data concealment. Adhering to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive systematic review was conducted, encompassing 172 articles from Scopus and Web of Science published from 2019 to 2024. Visualization of similarities using VOSviewer was introduced to provide a clear and interactive representation of the relationships between key concepts and prevalent trends. Hybrid steganography embedding strategies, i.e., edge-modified PVD, chaotic PSO, combined tent map-based steganography with improved resistance to sophisticated attacks, and efficient results reaching greater than90 PSNR with 3 bits per pixel have maximum potential. An emerging trend is focused on refining embedding algorithms to maximize payload capacity and enhance robustness; thus, Reverse steganography is also an area of immense potential. The identified study gaps were better analyzed against attack vulnerabilities and explored existing methods with modern technologies (artificial intelligence, machine learning, Qubit-based computing, etc.). Comparative analysis at the end of this study with existing literature, assessed using the Aldrete scoring approach, highlights this study’s contributions. The study concludes with recommendations to augment payload efficiency, attack resilience, and computational performance.
Graphical abstract