Difference between revisions of "Steganography"
(New page: '''Steganography''' is the study of hidden messages. ==History== The term ''steganography'' is derived from Greek ''stego-'' + ''graphoi'', meaning "plate writing", bec...) |
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==History== | ==History== | ||
| − | The term ''steganography'' is derived from [[Greek language|Greek]] ''stego-'' + ''graphoi'', meaning "plate writing" | + | The term ''steganography'' is derived from [[Greek language|Greek]] ''stego-'' + ''graphoi'', meaning "plate writing," because it was originally implemented by placing the message to be hidden between two thin [[wax]] plates, which were then fused together and a new message written on top. The resulting tablet looked perfectly normal to anyone who might happen to inspect it, but the original message would still be accessible to anyone who knew it was inside. |
Steganography hit its heyday during the [[second World War]], when Allied troops in Europe used various means to hide their communications back home; for example, encoding secret messages in the first letter of each word, or using patterns of punctuation to spell out messages in [[Morse code]]. | Steganography hit its heyday during the [[second World War]], when Allied troops in Europe used various means to hide their communications back home; for example, encoding secret messages in the first letter of each word, or using patterns of punctuation to spell out messages in [[Morse code]]. | ||
| + | ==Modern use== | ||
| + | Because it allows messages to "hide in plain sight," Steganography has been used by [[Al Qaeda]] to send messages over the [[internet]]. (See Jack Kelley, [[USA Today]], "Terrorist instructions hidden online") However, the [[NSA]] is also known to use steganographic tools to help with uncovering these plots.[http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2007/08/researchers-ana.html] | ||
| − | + | [[Category:Cryptography]] | |
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Revision as of 22:10, July 7, 2008
Steganography is the study of hidden messages.
History
The term steganography is derived from Greek stego- + graphoi, meaning "plate writing," because it was originally implemented by placing the message to be hidden between two thin wax plates, which were then fused together and a new message written on top. The resulting tablet looked perfectly normal to anyone who might happen to inspect it, but the original message would still be accessible to anyone who knew it was inside.
Steganography hit its heyday during the second World War, when Allied troops in Europe used various means to hide their communications back home; for example, encoding secret messages in the first letter of each word, or using patterns of punctuation to spell out messages in Morse code.
Modern use
Because it allows messages to "hide in plain sight," Steganography has been used by Al Qaeda to send messages over the internet. (See Jack Kelley, USA Today, "Terrorist instructions hidden online") However, the NSA is also known to use steganographic tools to help with uncovering these plots.[1]