A group of researchers from University of Oxford and Carnegie Mellon University has developed a breakthrough algorithm in secure communications using steganography, which involves hiding sensitive information inside of innocuous content. The algorithm can conceal sensitive information so effectively that it cannot be detected that something has been hidden, making it a useful tool in digital human communications such as social media and private messaging. The researchers believe that the algorithm’s ability to send perfectly secure information could empower vulnerable groups such as dissidents, investigative journalists, and humanitarian aid workers.
This may have strong implications for information security, besides further applications in data compression and storage.