International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 – 8887) Volume 143 – No.4, June 2016 28 Enhancing Data Security using Video Steganography, RSA and Huffman Code Algorithms with LSB Insertion Richard Apau Department Of Computer Science Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana J. B. Hayfron-Acquah Department Of Computer Science Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana Frimpong Twum (Corresponding Author) Department Of Computer Science Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana ABSTRACT Security (i.e. Confidentiality, Integrity, Authentication, Non- Repudiation, and Availability) in the field of data communication have remained a subject matter of discussion over the years. The internet as well as computer technology have made significant strive in data communication existence. Transferring data securely and safely amidst vulnerabilities of computer networks remain a source of worry to many in the field of data communication. Without security there is no need for data communication. The main objective of this study was to ensure security of data transmitted over the internet. The study proposed a novel approach of data security using video steganography, Huffman Code compression and asymmetric cryptography. In the proposed system, messages are encrypted with RSA and encrypted messages are compressed using Huffman code algorithm. The compressed encrypted messages are hidden using Least Significant Bit (LSB) algorithms. This research brings to light the concept of effectively combining steganography, compression and asymmetric cryptographic algorithm. The preference of RSA over any other cryptographic algorithm is due to its ability to provide better security for large file size thereby reducing computational complexity. The use LSB for video embedding is also good for larger file sizes due to its low computational complexity. Huffman code compression is a lossless compression algorithm which allows reduction in size of data without loss of data. From the results obtained in this research, it was observed that when video steganography is combined with Huffman code compression and asymmetric cryptography, a higher level of security, robustness and capacity are achieved. The distortion experienced in this study is negligible; therefore the study achieved increased security by the high PSNR values and low MSE and BER values. General Terms Cryptography, Steganography, Steganalysis, Data Compression, Least Significant Bits, RSA Keywords Video Steganography, Asymmetric Cryptography, Huffman Code, LSB, RSA, PSNR, MSE, BER. 1. INTRODUCTION The high increased in internet penetration has led to many computer related crimes. Privacy and secrecy of data still remain a major challenge in today’s technological world. Though stringent measures have been put in place to ensure the security and privacy of data transmitted over the computer networks, hackers and eavesdroppers also continue to device a more sophisticated and complex way of accessing such information. The internet as well as computer technology have made significant strive in data communication existence [1]. According to Wajgade and Kumar [2], the effect of combining steganography and cryptography is more beneficial in terms of obtaining the security and privacy of data. Various approaches and techniques of data security and information have been implemented by researchers to achieve secret communication. In today’s digital world, steganography is one of the most safest forms of data communication [3]. Due to the techniques of steganalysis tools, that have the capacity of detecting hidden messages in covert media [4], cryptography has been employed as another means of securing data transmission. Although a number of studies have been done on video steganography, many focused on the use of symmetric cryptographic algorithm. Few others also used asymmetric cryptographic algorithm, those done in the area of asymmetric cryptographic algorithm places little or no emphasis on the use of RSA encryption and compression algorithms and LSB insersiton. This study is therefore designed to enhance video steganography using RSA encryption algorithm and Huffman code with LSB insertion algorithm. 2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE 2.1 Steganography and Cryptography Many until modern times believed that steganography is an alternative to cryptography. According to Ramalingam [1], steganography is rather the dark cousin of cryptography and not an alternate. Whereas steganography provides secrecy cryptography is intended to provide privacy. The very essence of steganography is to hide or mask the existence of the message while cryptography concerns itself with the masking of the content of a message. The seemly exploitation of steganalysis which detect the presence of hidden message in covert media [5], made the combined effect of steganography and cryptography crucial. Whereas steganography can use cryptography, cryptography cannot use steganography [6]. The word “Steganography” is derived from the Greek words “Stegano” or “Stegos” meaning covered or hidden and “Graphia” or “Graptos” meaning writing [7]. For steganography to provide the needed security and concealment from eavesdroppers and attackers, it must be based on appropriate techniques [8]. Cryptography can simply be defined as the process of data storing and transmitting in a particular way such that, those whom the message is intended for can read and process it [9]. Cryptographic technique plays an essential role in protecting data communication, and also ensures that only intended recipient receives the message. According to Kundalakesi et al.[9], cryptography is very important in data communication especially when the data is being transferred over an untrusted medium particularly the internet.