enhancement of lsb matching steganography using multiobjective optimization embedding to improve security and imperceptibility

Least significant bit matching (lsbm) is a simple steganography approach that has been detected under multiple attacks. imperceptibility (i.e., maintenance of high perceptual image quality) and security are significant parameters in steganography. however, most conventional steganography techniques rely on single-objective optimization, which focuses on improving one parameter while often compromising others. this limitation underscores the need for approaches that balance conflicting objectives. to address this, the present study employs the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm ii (nsga-ii) to optimize security and imperceptibility. this methodology includes a cover image division into blocks, each with two critical decisions: (1) seed determination for the pseudo-random number generator to simultaneously identify optimal pixels for data embedding and (2) selecting whether the pixel value should be increased or reduced upon a mismatch between the data bit and pixel lsb. pixels with the highest data bit–lsb correspondence are optimal, and a pixel value change (increase or reduction) is to minimize block histogram variation. this multiobjective optimization is carried out using nsga-ii. it was comparatively revealed that the developed methodology remarkably improved image quality metrics and decreased detection accuracy at different embedding rates. at embedding rates of 0.3, 0.5, and 0.8 bpp, the peak signal-to-noise ratio (psnr) was approximately 57.65, 55.55, and 52.75, respectively. this result represents a 1.5-2.5% improvement compared to conventional lsbm techniques.