Steganography -- The New Intelligence Threat
Abstract
Thanks to new computer tools, digital files can easily be altered to embed hidden documents, pictures, or virtually anything that is digital in nature. This process is called steganography, or "the art of hidden information." Hiding information within electronic files is relatively benign unless the originator is exploiting the capability to transmit classified information, espionage products, or terrorist plans undetected across the Internet. The rapidly growing use of steganography in today's technologically advanced world poses a serious threat to national security, resulting in the need for the U.S. military to dedicate resources to combat this threat. The organization best equipped to tackle potential steganography challenges is the National Security Agency (NSA) at Fort George Meade, Maryland. Although their personnel composition, budget, and specific technological capabilities are not advertised to the public, there is no secret about the focus of NSA in today's world. NSA's mission is to understand the secret communications of our adversaries while protecting our own communications. The cryptanalysis specialists at NSA could ideally fill the role as steganography detectors. NSA's employment of cryptanalysis specialists would be a starting point for building steganography expertise. A renewed effort should be made to recruit many of the sharpest intelligence analysts and computer specialists to work for NSA. Personnel should come from military occupational specialties, civil service, and the private sector.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA520517
Entities
People
- S. D. Murphy
Organizations
- Marine Corps War College