Steganography
Steganography conceals the existence of a payload by embedding it in an ordinary-looking cover medium.
Definition and methods
Steganography places a payload inside a cover such as text, an image, or audio so that communication is less noticeable. Methods include selected letters in prose, subtle pixel changes, and modifications to transform coefficients or file structure.
Steganography and encryption
Encryption hides meaning but usually leaves visible ciphertext; steganography aims to hide that a payload exists. The two can be combined. Security depends on the embedding method, key, cover quality, and adversary, while resizing, compression, or statistical analysis may destroy or reveal hidden data.
No. It conceals presence rather than necessarily transforming meaning, though the payload may be encrypted first.
Only if the method is robust to the particular edit; recompression, cropping, or format conversion often damages fragile payloads.