This updated version allows the users of Eureka Encryption Steganographer to safely and securely embed data into any kind of binary file, such as graphic files, mp3 files, video files, executeable files, etc.  The data embedded can either be a message or an entire file, but not both at the same time.  You should avoid using text files as the source file altogether.

This version is different from the version 1 Steganographer as it is cross-compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux, and it uses a PassPhrase key.  Once a source file is loaded, you can begin inserting or extracting data from the file, depending on what action from you is required.

Unlike version 1, which the windows framework allowed certain routines that retained a .bmp image, the framework that created version 2 allowing for all three platforms did not have the same routines so certain images, etc can be corrupted after the insertion.  In testing we found that sometimes images were corrupted somewhat and sometimes not.  Mp3 files have consistantly played after insertion.  This is only an issue when you're intention is to publish an image on a web page.  Otherwise it shouldn't be a problem.

Windows Users: This is not compatible with version 1.  Failure will result if you receive images or send images with a user using version 1.

Here's the program screen, and we'll discuss all the various components in it.

While the following paragraph refers to Pictures, bear in mind that any non-text file can be regarded as a Picture.  Since most steganography uses image files as a general rule, this format was used as well.

First, let's discuss the Picture area.  The Load button will allow you to select a graphic file and it will be displayed in the box below the buttons.  The Save button will allow you to select a new name (or not) and will save the current graphic image (with insertions).  The View button will show both the original and current images so you can confirm that the insertions did not alter the picture.  So, in a normal insertion the procedure would be:Click Load and load in the picture, insert in a message or file, View the images, then Save.

Now let's discuss the Key area.  Here you set up your key by entering in a PassPhrase.  The PassPhrase can consist of letters, numbers, etc.  It can be as small as one character, but it is best between ten and twenty characters whatever they consist of.  Both you and others (if this is distributed) will need the same PassPhrase to insert or extract from the file.  When you click the Set button, the keyspace is generated and insertion and extraction can begin.

Next, let's discuss the Message area.  The Message area is below the PassPhrase box.  Here you enter in your message, or if extracting, the extracted message will appear there. Note:In order to defeat Keyloggers, press Esc in either PassPhrase or Message when the cursor is blinking in them and a virtual keyboard will appear that will allow you to populate those fields without keystokes.

Once your key has been established and loaded into the program you can insert the message by simply clicking on the Insert button.  Then you would click the Save button in the Picture area.  If you downloaded the image file, then after matching the PassPhrase it was inserted with, you would click on the Extract button and the contents of the message that was inserted into the image will be displayed in the message box.

Finally, let's discuss the File area.  As with messages, you must first enter in a PassPhrase and create the keyspace for the program before inserting or extracting a file.  Only one file can be processed for an image.  For larger files, be sure to use a large size graphic in order to accommadate the file.  If the file is too large, the program will notify you of that, but it would be less work to know in advance.  A good rule is the graphic should be at least ten times bigger than the file you want to do.  So if your file is 300 bytes, you'll need a graphic file at least 3000 bytes to work with. 

To Insert a File: Click on Select and choose the file you want to insert.  The file will then be embedded in the image.  Click on Save in the Picture area to save the changes.

To Extract a File: Click on extract.  A filename is built using EX then the day, month. year, hour, minute, second of the current time.  EX332007112345 would be an example.  You can then rename it.

One final note.  The technique used to embed messages and files are identical so both extractions can be done.  If you mistakenly click extract in the message area, and the image was processed as a file, the contents of the file will be placed in the message box.  If this is a binary file you will know it immediately.  If you wish to extract it as a file, simply click on the extract in the file area and it will be extracted to a EX file.  Likewise, you can save a message to a file in the same manner.