The Internet is indispensable for business in the modern world. Communicating information over the Internet comes with the risk of cybersecurity threats. Companies have to continuously find new ways to protect their data on the Internet.

Both cryptography and stenography are ways to protect data from theft and breaches. At the same time, hackers also use these methods to break into systems.

Let’s find out about the differences and similarities between cryptography and steganography.

What is cryptography?

Cryptography means secret writing. It is a method and system of communicating information. We use cryptography when we don’t want anyone apart from the sender and receiver to access the information.

In other words, cryptography uses encryption and decryption to communicate messages. It alters the structure of the data and converts it into ciphertext. The receiving end has to decrypt the ciphertext into plaintext to access the data.

The sender and receiver can confirm the other person’s identity in cryptography. It creates a secure channel of communication between machines and humans.

What is steganography?

Steganography means ‘covered writing.’ It’s a method of communicating confidential information. Physical steganography involved invisible inks, pin punctures, etc. In essence, steganography is a system of hiding the actual information under the garb of fake news.

Steganography has four elements in cybersecurity:

• Cover carrier
• Secret message
• Stego key
• Stego carrier

Text, video, image, and audio files act as cover carriers for confidential information. An embedded message and cover carrier generate a Stego carrier.

The Stego key also serves as an additional source of secret information. For instance, it’s similar to the recipient’s password to access the message.

Cybercriminals use steganography to inject malware and malicious JavaScript in the guise of a media file, for instance.

Differences and similarities between cryptography and steganography

The critical similarity between cryptography and steganography is that both are ways of covert communication.

Both terms mean different things. Cryptography is secret writing, while steganography is covered writing.

In cryptography, the data’s original structure is changed before sending the message. Steganography does not alter the original structure of the data.

Steganography does not involve a lot of mathematical transformations, but cryptography does.

Another key difference is the media files they can send/receive. Steganography is possible with text, audio, video, and image files. In cryptography, we can use only text files

Cryptography is more commonplace and widespread than steganography. More people are familiar with cryptography compared to steganography.

The key length and degree of security in cryptography are directly proportional. There aren’t any such parameters in steganography.

Protect your business and prevent cyberattacks

If you have an online business, it’s never without threats. The number of cyberattacks in 2021 was 15% more than that of 2020. Trends indicate no sign of cyber criminals and hackers slowing down.

As hackers have become more advanced and sophisticated, so have network security forces. It’s essential for businesses to partner with a professional IT networking agency to safeguard the interests of the company, its customers, stakeholders, and employees.

Encrypted and secret communication is one of the many aspects of cybersecurity. It ensures that no third-party entity can access confidential data. Having a complete network security framework is the only way for large and small companies to have peace of mind.

Get in touch with a professional IT networking company to protect your business and avoid costly mistakes. Contact Priority Networks Inc today for more information!