OpenStego for Windows

OpenStego is a Java-based application that performs steganography by embedding hidden data within carrier files using algorithm-driven encoding methods. It supports concealing text or arbitrary binary files inside supported cover formats through selectable steganographic plugins. The software includes password-based encryption for protected payloads, with encryption applied securely and reliably before embedding.

OpenStego exposes both graphical and command-line interfaces for data hiding, data extraction, and watermarking operations. Its internal structure separates file handling, encryption processing, and encoding logic into discrete components, allowing steganographic algorithms to be implemented independently through a standardized plugin framework rather than through fixed, built-in encoding routines.

Modular steganography framework

OpenStego encrypts and converts payloads to binary, then distributes this hidden data across the carrier file according to the active plugin's rules. Extraction reverses this process by scanning the carrier for encoded segments, reconstructing the payload, and applying decryption when required. Encoding behavior, capacity limits, and detection logic are fully governed by the selected steganographic algorithm rather than the application core.

Password-based encryption in OpenStego is implemented as an integrated preprocessing and postprocessing stage. Current implementations support AES-based encryption with selectable key sizes, with encryption applied before the embedding phase and reversed after successful extraction. Key derivation and cipher selection are handled centrally, separating encryption from carrier manipulation and preventing plugins from managing cryptographic operations. However, encryption options are limited to the supported AES modes.

The plugin architecture defines how it supports multiple steganographic methods without modifying its core execution layer. Each plugin encapsulates rules for encoding, decoding, and carrier interaction, exposing standardized interfaces to the main workflow. While image-based carriers are the primary implemented format, the architecture allows additional carrier types to be supported through new plugins. File parsing, encryption, and control are centralized; carrier logic resides in plugins.

Hide within pixels

OpenStego provides steganographic data embedding with optional AES-based encryption and a plugin-driven algorithm system. It includes tools for hiding and extracting text or binary data, centralized cryptographic handling, and modular support for multiple encoding methods. Carrier support is primarily image-based at the implementation level, while the architecture permits extension to other file types through plugins. Crypto options are limited to AES, and steganographic methods depend on installed modules.

• Continued support for AES-128 and AES-256 encryption