An algorithm for information embedding into compressed digital images based on replacement procedures with use of optimization

In the paper, we consider a particular direction of digital steganography — information embedding into the compressed JPEG images. A scheme of information embedding based on procedures of DCT-coefficients replacement is introduced. Variants of the scheme algorithmic implementation are offered and investigated. A genetic algorithm is used for the improvement of the embedding quality. The main result of the investigation is a steganographic algorithm of information embedding into the compressed JPEG images. This algorithm utilizes an unstable region of embedding at the level of one block of DCT-coefficients. The choice of an optimum region of embedding is performed by the genetic algorithm.