Optimized Lightweight Image Steganography on Embedded Device via LUT Approach

Abstract

Lightweight property has been an indispensable requisite for embedded devices that insists security on its data. Less complex operations, minimal memory footprint and execution in fewer clock cycles are the prime features that guarantee the lightweight property of security algorithms. This paper presents the formation of exclusive Look-Up Tables (LUTs) that brings in the lightweight property to employ the steganography algorithm that embeds the encrypted secret bits based on an encoder circuit. The suggested LUT method has been realized on LPC 2148, an embedded device with ARM 7 core. The above said lightweight features are analyzed through code size and timing analysis; while the security analysis from visual and statistical tests ensure the algorithm’s security level. When compared against procedural technique, LUT method provides 25% to 30% improvement in execution speed with no additional demand in code space and compromise in security level.