Steganography Encoder/Decoder

This Python-based Steganography tool allows users to encode a secret message into an image and decode it using a passcode. The application uses the Least Significant Bit (LSB) method for encoding the message into the image. The user interface is built using Tkinter to make the process simple and intuitive.

Features

• Encode Message: Hide a secret message within an image file.
• Decode Message: Retrieve the hidden message from an encoded image using the correct passcode.
• Passcode Protection: The hidden message is encrypted with a passcode for secure access.
• Graphical User Interface: Simple GUI using Tkinter for easy interaction.
• Supports Various Image Formats: Works with JPG, PNG, and other standard image formats.

Requirements

To run this project, you need to have the following dependencies installed:

• Python 3.x
• Tkinter (usually comes pre-installed with Python)
• opencv-python for image manipulation
• numpy for efficient array handling

Install the necessary dependencies using pip:

pip install opencv-python numpy

How It Works

Encode a Secret Message:

1. Select an Image: Choose an image to hide the secret message.
2. Enter the Message: Type in the message you want to hide inside the image.
3. Set a Passcode: Set a passcode to protect the message. Only those with the passcode can decode the message.
4. Encode the Message: Click on the "Encode Message" button, and the secret message will be encoded into the image using the Least Significant Bit method.

Decode a Secret Message:

1. Select the Encoded Image: Choose the image where the message was encoded.
2. Enter the Passcode: Provide the passcode used during encoding.
3. Extract the Message: Click the "Decode Message" button to reveal the hidden message from the image.

Installation

1. Clone the repository to your local machine:

   git clone https://github.com/mr-baraiya/Steganography-Project.git

2. Install the required dependencies:

   pip install opencv-python numpy

3. Run the application:

   python main.py

Usage

1. Launch the Application: Once you run main.py, the GUI will open.
2. Select the Mode: Choose either "Encode" or "Decode" mode using the radio buttons.
3. For Encoding:
   • Browse and select an image.
   • Enter the secret message and passcode.
   • Click the "Encode Message" button.
4. For Decoding:
   • Browse and select the encoded image.
   • Enter the passcode used for encoding.
   • Click "Decode Message" to extract the hidden message.

Example

Encoding Example:

1. Choose an image (image.jpg).
2. Enter the message: This is a secret message!.
3. Enter a passcode: 1234.
4. Click "Encode Message" and the encoded image (encryptedImage.png) will be generated.

Decoding Example:

1. Choose the encoded image (encryptedImage.png).
2. Enter the passcode: 1234.
3. Click "Decode Message" and the hidden message This is a secret message! will be displayed.

Project Structure

steganography-project/
├── main.py               # The main Python file for the application
├── README.md             # The project documentation
├── requirements.txt      # List of dependencies for the project
├── encryptedImage.png    # Encoded image (generated at runtime)

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! You can fork this repository, make improvements, or submit bug fixes. Please feel free to create a pull request with your changes.

Acknowledgments

• OpenCV: For image manipulation.
• Tkinter: For building the graphical user interface.
• NumPy: For efficient data handling and manipulation.