Steganography: Hidden Writing
The word steganography combines the Greek words steganos (στεγανός), meaning "covered, concealed, or protected", and graphein (γράφειν) meaning "writing." Inscribing a message in plaintext and then somehow concealing it allows the message to be composed and sent quickly and ensures it will be understood by the recipient without arranging for a code or cipher procedure before sending the message. However, if it is intercepted and discovered the message will be clear to anyone.
Hidden compartments and invisible inks are examples of steganography.
Hidden compartments and invisible inks are examples of steganography.
Masks, Windows, Secret Links, and Other Tell-Tales
- A "mask" to cover a page of text with "windows" cut to use as an overlay for relevant letters in messages
- Deliberate misspelling to mark words in the message
- Use of small changes in spacing to indicate significant letters or words in a hidden message
- Use of a slightly different font in a typeset message to indicate the hidden letters (e.g., the difference between Courier and Courier New is barely noticeable unless you are looking for it)
- An image or word on a web page may include a hyperlink that is not apparent unless you "mouse" over it.