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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Cryptography and Steganography?

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The main difference between cryptography and steganography lies in their approaches to securing information. Here are the key differences between the two:

  1. Purpose: Cryptography is the art of converting a plaintext message into an unreadable format, making it difficult for unauthorized parties to access the information. Steganography, on the other hand, is the practice of concealing a message in a manner that makes no sense to anyone except the intended recipient, with no traceability.
  2. Data Structure: In steganography, the structure of data remains the same, with little or no mathematical transformations involved. In cryptography, the structure of data is altered, and encryption techniques use number theory, mathematics, and other approaches to modify the data.
  3. Security Principles: Steganography supports confidentiality and authentication security principles. Cryptography supports confidentiality, authentication, data integrity, and nonrepudiation security principles.
  4. Popularity: Steganography is less popular than cryptography. Cryptography is more popular and widely used than steganography.
  5. Attacks: The attack in steganography is termed as steganalysis. In cryptography, the attack is termed as cryptanalysis.

In summary, cryptography focuses on making the message unreadable, while steganography focuses on hiding the existence of the message. Both techniques have their advantages and can be used together to enhance the security of information.

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  • What is the Difference Between Cryptography and Steganography?
  • Comparative Table: Cryptography vs Steganography

    • Comparative Table: Cryptography vs Steganography

    Here is a table comparing the differences between cryptography and steganography:

    Feature Cryptography Steganography
    Definition Cryptography is a method in which secret messages are hidden in plain sight by altering the message itself, making it unreadable without a key. Steganography is a method in which a secret message is hidden in a cover media, such as text, audio, video, or images, without altering the structure of the data.
    Goal To make the secret message unreadable and secure. To make the fact that a secret communication is taking place invisible to anyone who doesn't know where to look.
    Popularity Cryptography is more popular than steganography. Steganography is less popular than cryptography.
    Attack Name Cryptanalysis. Steganalysis.
    Data Structure The structure of data is altered. The structure of data is not usually altered.
    Security Principles Supports confidentiality and authentication. Supports confidentiality, authentication, and data integrity.
    Algorithms Uses various recognized and approved algorithms. Doesn't have specific algorithms.
    Combination with Other Techniques Can be combined with steganography for additional security. Can be combined with cryptography for additional security.

    Both cryptography and steganography are powerful and robust techniques used to secure secret information. They can also be combined to enhance the security of data, as the combination of both techniques can nullify various threats to data security.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.