Great stuff it does do the job, it can hide a jpg file inside the PNG file but it can also hide many files like excel, account or written document. but what I don't get is that you'll need a jpg image file to hide your document in then you also need to add an output image (JPEG not included with this) when you extracted it, that image never appeared so is it the file type that was needed? So why not we just type in the file type? Erm, gosh my head spinning now lol... never mind. Still it's early days but I loves it and this one absolutely a keeper.

I think that this soft is a fun thing to try out. a lot of programs offered here are interesting to try even if you have no use for them.I download and try a lot of them!
Not everyone knows how to use a DOS prompt! Truecrypt is a great piece of soft and I think that if someone truly wants to protect their data this is the way to go. However if you want to play with "Secret agent" stuff then today's offer is fun and FREE!
Downloaded and registered fine on Win7Home 64bit. Haven't played with it yet but maybe later today.

For those wondering whether hiding a picture file inside another picture file, it is possible as I have successfully hid a png file inside a jpg file and successfully reconstituted the file to its original form.
I hope this helps to alleviate the fears that some people may have about this scenario.

Frankly convoluted for easy use. I ahve seen much easier encrypting software, and free: CONCEAL.
I don't have the time to look for PNG, BP, TIFF to encrypt output.
Installed and uninstalled.

Every time i try to use it i get error message saying "Output Image Filename Is Incorrect. Please Check And Try Again" There is no help file or instructions at all Sorry GAOTD thumbs down this time.

If anyone can answer this, can you email the pix, and will it be sent received as a pix, and if its received will it be detected as a suspicious file like maybe a virus by a AV>

Sorry, also how can you defend yourself from an imbedded file inside a seemingly harmless file extension in email and FTP?

Seems like an appropriate use for this would be to embed a copyright info file in the photo file... then if there is any question of someone using your file inappropriately you would confirm it's your file by checking for the embedded file.

I would like to hear more responses about #19 post. Can you insert malicious code into, say a jpg file? Would antivirus programs be able to recognize them?

No thanks. I have nothing to hide.
Unfortunately, steganography can also be used for illegitimate reasons. For instance, if someone was trying to steal data, they could conceal it in another file or files and send it out in an innocent looking email or file transfer. Furthermore, a person with a hobby of saving pornography, or worse, to their hard drive, may choose to hide the evidence through the use of steganography. And, as was pointed out in the concern for terroristic purposes, it can be used as a means of covert communication. Of course, this can be both a legitimate and an illegitimate application.

I was going to purchase the program with the "60_percent_off" which the coupon worked, but once you hit the "Submit" button for the order, it never went through, it just keeps spinning it's wheels. So at least they fixed the problem with the coupon, now they need to fix the "Order Submit" button. Their loss.

This software creates false security.
The data is not encrypted and anyone with little knowledge of computers can remove or separate pix form text elements and can see the hidden data. The password is useless and can easily be detected and removed with common existing software.
Uninstalled.

Installed on Windows 7 (32 bit) and after installing (ignore the opened webpages)it's really piece of cake. I had no idea what to expect, was curious (blame it on 007), but am glad I installed it! May be very useful and necessary soon.
I tested it with the first files I came across (.txt file of this program and random wallpapers) and it worked flawless.
Going to do some more investigation (to stay on topic) and comparisons, but for now certainly happy with it!
Thank you Emplase Research & GAOTD !! =)

I installed, tested with a 3.5 Kbyte text file to hide in a jpeg image of 3 Mbytes.

1. Can't output a jpeg image, has to output png. Says jpeg not supported because it's lossy (huh? other steganography programs support jpeg. jpeg may be lossy for the original image, but not for the file data.

2. Tells me that it can't do it because this file can only hide 307 bytes (yikes!)

3. Try a plain text file of about 30 bytes instead. Says it can't do it because this file uses over 800 bytes. ?? overhead of some kind?

4. Try a png source image instead. No change.

Give up -> uninstall.

Today's giveaway is a pretty decent app which does its job without any hassle, but 24 bucks for an app like this is a little bit overpriced in my humble view.

Besides that, I strongly believe that, for this kind of programs, Open Source and Freeware Apps are the best way to go, if you are really eager to protect your files and sensitive data by hiding them behind IMAGES, without being forced to rely on any key license.

For instance, with this terrific FREE TOOL you can even hide an encrypted or password protected compressed file behind an image without paying a dime for that:

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Security-Related/Hide-Behind-Image.shtml

Alternatively or in additiion to it, to protect & hide sensitive data (Files & Folders) behind an image and then share it via email, you can also use other cool FREE apps like:

* Pixel Cryptor
http://www.codegazer.com/pixelcryptor/

Screenshots:
http://www.softpedia.com/progScreenshots/PixelCryptor-Screenshot-58828.html

* Cypher Bot
Encrypts text and files using AES 256-bit, the US government's encryption standard (accepted by NIST and NSA) ==> COOL APP!!

http://cypherbotofficial.codeplex.com/

* Clotho 2.3
Cool app designed to hide any file into another one such as jpg, mp3, flv and many more!!!

http://clotho.ixenity.tk/

* DeEgger Embedder
http://zasoftware.webs.com/deeggerembedder.htm

* Hide'N'Send
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Encrypting/Hide-N-Send.shtml

* OpenPuff
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Authoring-tools/Authoring-Related/Puff.shtml

* SteganPEG
http://www.abhiram.tk/home/steganojpeg


But if you want to go beyond steganography software, I highly recommend trying an Open Source gem called "FreeOTFE Explorer"!!

This is an awesome FREE & PORTABLE Disk Encryption program to use with USB flash drives, enabling you to gain access on encrypted volumes of yours on Windows PC even where no administrator rights are available and where this tool hasn’t been installed (i.e. in PCs Internet Café).

So it’s a perfect app for those geeks like me who love carrying their sensitive data securely on a USB drive or other removable media without any hassle involved.

Cyphers include AES (256 bit), Twofish (256 bit), Serpent (256 bit) and even Blowfish (448 bit), a feature missing in this GAOTD and in most paid encryption software out there: COOL, isn’t it??

http://www.freeotfe.org/

And if you share your PCs with other users, the best way to protect your files & folders is to use the freeware "File Secure Free", an all-in-one powerful tool designed to password protect your Folders, Files and Drives, including USB flash drives, thumb drives, memory sticks, external drives!!

http://www.mitracker.com/file-secure-free.html


Enjoy!!

"steganography" - I had to look that up, I thought you spelled stenography wrong! So my feedback is get a name average people will understand, like #28 suggests. It's a dealbreaker.
As for the software, "why?" comes immediately to mind; just encrypt the darn file, why all the james bond stuff? Or just use DOS.
Thanks anyway, I learned a new word today!

At first I thought this had something to do with shorthand (and I'm sure I'm not the only one).

The term "Ultimate" is exaggerated. I can't really see anything ultimate about it. When you run it you're forced to follow a wizard. It also needs picture files to be bigger than the files you're trying to hide them in, which makes it impractical for any large files since the size of the picture would make it obvious. Text might be fine but even a single mp3 can be too big for most pictures. Maybe if the program could break up files and distribute them over a number of pictures it might be practical.

But if you really want to protect a file you're just as well off using a password protected zip file or something like that. And even just something as simple as changing the filename, particularly the extension, can fool a lot of people into not even opening the file in the first place. (e.g. message.txt changed to systemdata.sys) Also don't forget about attributes and hidden files.

Downloaded and registered OK, Must Click about to register, have not really used it yet,wish the program could give you the option to use (jpg) files,that would have been a bonus!! Camouflage is portable and you can use(jpg)Images to hide files, also it's very fast, can even hide vids in(jpg)image

http://www.myportablesoftware.com/freefilecamouflage.aspx

A blue screen appears while opening the program and the computer restarts automatically.

"There is nothing like this for Linux"...??
Au contraire.
http://stegui.sourceforge.net/

@ 29. Tommy Tutone

TrueCrypt can hide your entire operating system in a hidden location on your hard drive and make it appear as random written data. However this was discussed (Google for it), the implementation of truecrypt failed in very well known scenarios where cryptoanalysis forced to unhide the cloaked partition (I think if I remember correctly it was about child pornography where the criminal used truecrypt).

As I pointed out earlier, you need to be aware that governments KNOW these tools. There was a rumour spreading that the guy behind truecrypt is working for them.

I highly advise against the use of truecrypt. It is known that truecrypt cannot give you plausible deniability. In fact you are more likely to get into a battle with the governments. Don't use it.

What's more to say? Use or firstly FIND a tool that is not well known (that's the tricky part), a tool that can spread the large file over more files or even over more different file formats and uses an unknown cipher (that's key in this business).

Other important thing to remember (I cannot emphasize that enough). DON'T make steganography to become a habbit. Use it as little as possible and only as last line of defense.

Whilst today's GOTD is such a tool, use it for study, only. Or use it for fun purposes.

Why not just use TRUECRYPT and be done with it mate??

Just on a side/note

If you like to hide big files (BIG FILES) you may use a streaming steganography tool that is streaming the file TCP etc.. sourceforge.net is your friend. remember you will make a BMP or jpeg look always suspicious if the picture has a file size over 200 MB for example. To use this, if you have a file that is 5 MB say, you will need in your message context at least two image files that are roughly 5MB each where in one of them is the hidden data (only this way you can gain SOME sort of plausible deniability).

But again, look for steganographic tools that support multible file formats. The best would be to use a tool that is hardly known or not popular. Or write your own. Governments know ALL popular steganographic tools that are out there. Keep that in mind.

They need to include "uninstall" for this program because a lot off people going to get rid of it. Better ways to do this.DsCrypt is very good for one file.Ozmif is another one both are portable.
If you have not installed it don't bother.

I have never used a steganography program before, so I gave this one a try. The first thing I noticed is the program and/or the website badly needs an FAQ. While running the program, it tells you that you cannot use jpg files as the container file. Well, this should be in the FAQ. You shouldn't have to learn by trial and error. And what kind of files can you embed in a picture? Apparently any type will do, but again this should be spelled out ahead of time. It's common sense that the container file should be larger than the hidden file, but why not clearly state it up front?

The program mostly worked on the few tests I tried. It said my 3,841KB bmp was only 479.99Kb and needed to be larger. When I hid a very small WMV video file in a large jpg, the program got an "External exception EEFFACE" error, but the steganography still worked. So the programs has a few problems, and needs documentation, but otherwise worked okay.

Installed OK in W7x64

Does what it says, however:
1) The only available container file is an image file
2) Cannot use a JPEG image for the container
3) You have to use encrytption (a password)
4) The official website is a bit short on details (eg, what encryption method is used - I think it's 128-bit something)


There are other (free) steganography programs that CAN use different containers, (including JPEG images, video files and .exe, and so on).

There are some simple methods of hiding files using a combination of an archive (zip/rar) and an image. Of course, this program makes it very easy to do, despite its shortcomings.

$24 seems overpriced to me, but it's free here.

The file that you want to hide must be stored in a photo whose container is larger than the file size.
That's a big drawback according to me.
Thumbs down for this GOTD...:(

After I posted, I did a Google search and came up with this.

http://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/hide-file-in-picture/

It could be a useful little app, but $24 is a lot to pay for something I can accomplish in one line from the command prompt or a batch file. I might pay $1.99 for an app like that.

Twentyfour dollars is a bit steep for something that you can do with a simple DOS command from the command window.

Steganography is not recommended to protect sensitive data, because cryptanalysis has shown its weakness.That's all there is to say in regards to Steganography.

Google for "Steganography" and see for yourself.

I'm pretty sure this is the type of software they use to keylog/send viruses out to people...

Thank you for the opportunity to look at this interesting software. I downloaded and installed it, using Windows Vista, without any difficulty. It registered smoothly.

This is my first experience with this type of software. I'm not sure how or when I would use it, but my test run went without a hitch.

The little message telling me I was in upper-case, when I needed to know that, is a thoughtful addition.

I look forward to thinking up ways I can use it. I assume that sharing an image (with an embedded file) would require the other person to have the same software (and password) in order to extract it. In such a circumstance, I'm curious to know if there is similar software on the market that could also do the extraction from the file created with this software?

Seems to do what it says on the tin! Pity images cant be saved in .jpg format.

I added a 70 KB (.txt) file to a 271 KB (.jpg) file and Ultima Steganography produced a 6 MB (yes, MB!!!!) .png file... How's that gonna fly?

I repeated the exact same test using a 900 KB app ("My Top Secret" http://www.brothersoft.com/mytopsecret-17687.html) and the output file was a 341 KB .jpg... 'Nuff said?

CLICK ABOUT TO REGESTER YOUR GOTD SERIAL #
Happy Sunday
Will Try This GOTD Software Soon :)

Other software on the home site "MultiStage Recovery" might be interesting. Sounded interesting , so I downloaded it . Haven't tried it yet . "Ultima Steganography 1.6" - I do not think I need/want.

I wonder how many people know you can already do this for free using the command prompt?

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/stupid-geek-tricks-hide-data-in-a-secret-text-file-compartment/
or
there is this free program that also can do this...
http://www.howtogeek.com/77831/encrypt-and-hide-your-personal-files-inside-of-a-photo/

Select "extract file from image", choose image... and software is "helpful" and not only tells you there IS a hidden file, but it's name, too. Wonderf... oh, wait! Not good.

If purpose of the software is to HIDE file in image, it should not give out any information about the file so freely. At least not until correct encryption key is given.

Understandably, hiding a file in image will increase the image file size quite a bit, so this is not so useful method for "hiding" other than very small files.

So simplified UI that it took a few minutes to realize the usual About -> Enter Registration Code.

Still, it works. Thanks.

Win XP SP3

Installed Ok. Entered code via the "about " button and registered ok.

There is no help file within the prog or on their website. If you send the encoded picture to someone , to be able to read the file , I presume they must have the prog installed as well . However will they have to buy the prog , is the unregistered version time limited ? I presume that the unregistered is just water marked and not time limited but the Website or prog should tell you this.

To me these are fun gimmick progs that are worth having for their novelty value. I have not tried it yet , so not sure if you can hide a picture within a picture , or only a text file ( See why you need a help file?).

Is their a maximum size that you can use ? For the serious minded the usual way to determine if a picture has something in it, is to compare the checksum of the original picture to that of the subject one.

So it is unclear whether the developer intends this as a fun prog or a serious one. A serious one you would be able to encrypt your doc in say Truecrypt, then hide it in a pic.

BTW Their motivator prog also offered on their website had been proved to be an urban myth ( subliminal or otherwise flashing on a screen does not work) . However I like the ethos of the programer to offer something unusual ( compared to say all the rippers and burners out there ).

Running Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit SP1
Downloaded, installed & registered with the key provided (1 thumbs up)
Program is very straight forward, easy to use and no any fancy stuff...
Good performance speed. Tried to hide an image inside another image with astounding results, but when I tried to hide a video file (38 Mb) then the program demanded a bigger image container.
All in all, the program is a keeper as one never knows when a need for hiding images or other small files may arise.
Thank you GOTD & Enlapse Research for this great giveaway...

Installed ok, but where do I enter Name (GOTD) and serial as found in the read me?

I like this software. By no means am I a super secret spy but I do like to hide a text file every now and then. That way I can keep things to myself. Are there better ways to hide these files? Maybe, but this is pretty easy to use and I have never had a problem with it. BTW, if you already have version 1.5 from the previous giveaway, you can just install to the same folder. It will update to version 1.6 and remain registered. Thank you to the GAOTD team for all you do for us and thank you to the publisher, Enplase Research, for your offering. This offering also includes a generous discount for those that wish to purchase this software.

Registration procedure is misleading, or maybe incomplete.

To register, close the "upgrade" window and open the program, then click on "About". That's where you'll find where to enter the Registration info.

Once you get that far, Registration activates quickly.

MSWin7Home

If you lose this software (in a crash, for instance), can you still recover the encrypted data ?

Neato, looks like a GREAT program. I will give this a try! Thank's :-)

Installed great on Win7 64bit. Simple program that works beautifully. You can only do 1 at a time, but it's free. Right clicking on the output file gives an added "Extract". Ran through a couple junk files and it worked perfectly. Something to hang on to just in case.

After installing, the setup loaded a web page offering a 60% discount coupon on the full version without any of the GAOTD limitations. Only problem, the online cart says the coupon "60_percent_off" is invalid. You would think they would test this before releasing it.

Can you encrypt pictures into pictures with this program?
Thx GOTD for all you do.
Windwalker