StegHash: New Method for Information Hiding in Open Social Networks

TL;DR

StegHash introduces a novel technique for embedding hidden messages in multimedia files on social networks using hashtags, demonstrating its potential to create new security threats.

Contribution

The paper presents StegHash, a new method leveraging hashtags for information hiding in open social networks, expanding steganography applications.

Findings

Effective embedding of hidden messages demonstrated on Twitter and Instagram.

The system can potentially introduce new security threats in social media environments.

Proof of concept validates the feasibility of the approach.

Abstract

In this paper a new method for information hiding in open social networks is introduced. The method, called StegHash, is based on the use of hashtags in various open social networks to connect multimedia files (like images, movies, songs) with embedded hidden messages. The evaluation of the system was performed on two social media services (Twitter and Instagram) with a simple environment as a proof of concept. The experiments proved that the initial idea was correct, thus the proposed system could create a completely new area of threats in social networks.