BlkInfoM: versatile blockchain-based mapping mechanism for secure information transmission

Abstract Information mapping is a widely adopted strategy in information hiding, leveraging the inherent features of carriers to convey hidden information without altering the carrier itself, thus maintaining integrity and avoiding detection. However, current mapping-based techniques face significant challenges, including potential data loss during transmission, limited capacity of carriers like images, and reliance on costly third-party storage solutions. To address these limitations, we introduce BlkInfoM, an innovative algorithm that utilizes blockchain’s decentralized, immutable, and traceable properties as a novel data source for secure information hiding. BlkInfoM leverages blockchain transaction data, such as Merkle hash values, timestamps, and locations, in combination with a reversible ASCII-based binary encoding to enable precise information-to-block matching. Experimental results demonstrate that BlkInfoM not only improves the success rate and efficiency of information mapping compared to traditional methods but also reduces operational costs by eliminating the need for third-party storage. This work highlights the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize information hiding, offering enhanced security, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.