Steganography and Related Fields

The general idea of hiding some information in digital content has a wider class of applications that go beyond steganography. The techniques involved in such applicationsare collectively referred to as information hiding.

History of Steganography

Herodotus

The first recorded uses of steganography can be traced back to 440 BC when Herodotus mentions two examples of steganography in The Histories of Herodotus.[2] Demaratus sent a warning about a forthcoming attack to Greece by writing it directly on the wooden backing of a wax tablet before applying its beeswax surface.Wax tablets were in common use then as reusable writing surfaces, sometimes used for shorthand.

Another ancient example is that of Histiaeus, who shaved the head of his most trusted slave and tattooed a message on it. After his hair had grown the message was hidden. The purpose was to instigate a revolt against the Persians.