Optimized Data Hiding Method based on Meerkat Clan Algorithm for Image Steganography

Abstract

To fulfill the security criterion of imperceptibility, the secret info is hidden in the cover image using image steganography. To do this, a hidden data bit swaps out the least important part of the cover image. The replacement process produces variability, which has an effect on the imperceptibility parameter. To address this restriction, this research proposes a unique optimal data concealing approach based on the meerkat clan optimization algorithm. This method seeks the best secret data to conceal in the cover image to be able to improve the imperceptibility parameter. The secret data is also divided into 2:4 ratios. The cover image is then divided into smooth and edge regions. A 2-bit LSB technique is utilized to hide data in the smooth area, whereas data hiding in the edge region is accomplished with a 4-bit LSB approach. The simulation is evaluated using multiple performance measures to compare its performance to existing approaches. The suggested technique outperforms the previous method in terms of imperceptibility.