What is the main function of steganography?

The main function of steganography is to hide data within other data. This technique allows for the concealment of information in such a way that it is not apparent to observers that the hidden data even exists. For example, an image file might contain a hidden message that can only be revealed through specific software or methods, while the original image appears unchanged to the naked eye.

Steganography focuses on ensuring that the concealed data remains undetectable, which is different from encryption, where the data is transformed into a format that is unreadable without the proper key or password. This subtlety is crucial in secure communications where both hiding the existence of the information and protecting its content are important. Unlike backup solutions or digital signatures, steganography deals specifically with the concealment aspect, making it a unique method in the realm of information security.