A Model and Quantitative Framework for Evaluating Iterative Steganography

This study presents a comprehensive characterization of iterative steganography, a distinct class of information-hiding techniques, and proposes a formal mathematical model for their description. We introduce a novel quantitative measure, the Incremental Information Function (IIF), designed to evaluate information gain in iterative steganographic methods. The IIF provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing the step-by-step process of embedding information into a cover medium, focusing on the cumulative effects of each iteration in the encoding and decoding cycles. The practical application and efficacy of the proposed method are demonstrated through detailed case studies in video steganography. These examples illustrate the utility of the IIF in delineating the properties and characteristics of iterative steganographic techniques. Our analysis reveals that the IIF effectively captures the incremental nature of information embedding and serves as a valuable tool for assessing the robustness and capacity of steganographic systems. This research offers significant insights into the field of information hiding, particularly in the development and evaluation of advanced steganographic methods. The IIF emerges as a promising analytical tool for researchers, providing a quantitative approach to understanding and optimizing iterative steganographic techniques.