System and Methods in Building a Blockchain-based System for Covert Steganographic Communication

Babu Santhalingam; Shreemathi Vedantarajagopalan; Magesh Kasthuri

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajcst.20260901.11

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System and Methods in Building a Blockchain-based System for Covert Steganographic Communication

Babu Santhalingam

, Shreemathi Vedantarajagopalan

, Magesh Kasthuri^*

Published in American Journal of Computer Science and Technology (Volume 9, Issue 1)

Received: 4 December 2025 Accepted: 23 December 2025 Published: 19 January 2026

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Abstract

The increasing importance of privacy and secure communication in distributed environments has fueled research into innovative solutions that combine data concealment and tamper-resistant recordkeeping. This article presents a logically structured architectural framework for covert steganographic communication, utilizing the Microsoft Azure web3 ecosystem as its foundation. The motivation behind this research stems from the limitations of traditional steganography and blockchain technologies when used independently, particularly in addressing the challenges of operational transparency, scalability, and robust data protection. To bridge these gaps, the proposed system integrates Azure Blockchain Development Kit with other Azure native services to provide a unified architecture. This research article introduces a pioneering architectural framework designed to facilitate covert steganographic communication through blockchain technologies, with a focus on leveraging the Microsoft Azure web3 ecosystem. By integrating Azure Blockchain Development Kit (BDK), Azure Confidential Ledger, Azure Blockchain Services, and Azure Blockchain Workbench with Open Steganography solutions deployed on Azure Virtual Machines (VM), the proposed system aims to achieve secure, confidential, and unobtrusive data exchange. The research methodology encompasses a comprehensive literature review, system design, implementation, and rigorous security analysis, followed by experimental evaluation on cloud infrastructure. By leveraging the strengths of Azure’s blockchain and confidential ledger capabilities alongside advanced steganographic techniques, this study demonstrates a practical approach to achieving secure, confidential, and unobtrusive data exchange. The findings confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed solution, highlighting its potential to facilitate adaptive, scalable, and privacy-preserving covert communication networks. In conclusion, this work charts new directions for integrating blockchain and steganography within cloud-native platforms, offering enhanced privacy and security for sensitive communications in distributed settings.

Published in	American Journal of Computer Science and Technology (Volume 9, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ajcst.20260901.11
Page(s)	1-7
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Blockchain, Steganography, Covert Communication, Web3, Microsoft Azure, Confidential Ledger, Open Steganography, Secure Data Exchange, Privacy, Confidentiality

References

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[3]	Cheddad, A. et al. (2010). Digital Image Steganography: Survey and Analysis of Current Methods pp: 727-752. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sigpro.2009.08.010
[4]	Handel, T. G. & Sandford, M. T. (1996). Hiding Data in the OSI Network Model. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 1174. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-61996-8_29
[5]	Gianvecchio, S., & Wang, H. (2007). Detecting Covert Timing Channels: An Entropy-Based Approach. In Proceedings of the 14th ACM conference on Computer and communications security (CCS '07). Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, USA, 307–316. https://doi.org/10.1145/1315245.1315284
[6]	E. Ben Sasson et al., "Zerocash: Decentralized Anonymous Payments from Bitcoin,"2014 IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy, Berkeley, CA, USA, 2014, pp. 459-474, https://doi.org/10.1109/SP.2014.36
[7]	Microsoft Azure Documentation: Azure Confidential Ledger Overview (2021). https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/confidential-ledger/overview
[8]	Buterin, V. (2014). A Next-Generation Smart Contract and Decentralized Application Platform. white paper 3.37 (2014): 2-1.
[9]	Juels, A., Kosba, A., & Shi, E. (2016). The Ring of Gyges: Investigating the Future of Criminal Smart Contracts. https://doi.org//10.1145/2976749.2978362
[10]	Ramesh, D., & Manikandan, G. (2018). Blockchain-Based Steganography for Secure Data Transmission. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11276-023-03554-8
[11]	Zhang, Y. et al. (2020). Key Management in Blockchain-Based Steganographic Systems. https://doi.org/10.1093/comjnl/bxac090
[12]	Wood, Gavin. "Ethereum: A secure decentralised generalised transaction ledger."Ethereum project yellow paper 151.2014 (2014): 1-32.
[13]	Microsoft Azure Documentation: Azure Blockchain Development Kit (2022). https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/introducing-the-azure-blockchain-development-kit/
[14]	Microsoft Azure Documentation: Azure Blockchain Services (2022). https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/solutions/web3/
[15]	Johnson, Neil F., Zoran Duric, and Sushil Jajodia. Information hiding: steganography and watermarking-attacks and countermeasures: steganography and watermarking: attacks and countermeasures. Vol. 1. Springer Science & Business Media, 2001.
[16]	Wang, H. & Wang, S. (2019). Virtual Machine-Based Steganographic Techniques for Cloud Security. pp: 23-29.
[17]	Li, X. et al. (2018). A Survey on the Security of Blockchain Systems pp: 841-853. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167739X17318332
[18]	Al-Bassam, M. (2017). Scalable, Confidential Blockchain Systems. pp: 841-853 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.future.2017.08.020
[19]	Haber, S. & Stornetta, W. S. (19+91). How to Time-Stamp a Digital Document. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 537. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-38424-3_32
[20]	Gupta, A. et al. (2021). Web3 Development Practices on Azure for Secure Distributed Applications. https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/discover-the-latest-innovations-at-azure-open-source-day-2023/

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APA Style

Santhalingam, B., Vedantarajagopalan, S., Kasthuri, M. (2026). System and Methods in Building a Blockchain-based System for Covert Steganographic Communication. American Journal of Computer Science and Technology, 9(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajcst.20260901.11

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ACS Style

Santhalingam, B.; Vedantarajagopalan, S.; Kasthuri, M. System and Methods in Building a Blockchain-based System for Covert Steganographic Communication. Am. J. Comput. Sci. Technol. 2026, 9(1), 1-7. doi: 10.11648/j.ajcst.20260901.11

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AMA Style

Santhalingam B, Vedantarajagopalan S, Kasthuri M. System and Methods in Building a Blockchain-based System for Covert Steganographic Communication. Am J Comput Sci Technol. 2026;9(1):1-7. doi: 10.11648/j.ajcst.20260901.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ajcst.20260901.11,
  author = {Babu Santhalingam and Shreemathi Vedantarajagopalan and Magesh Kasthuri},
  title = {System and Methods in Building a Blockchain-based System for Covert Steganographic Communication},
  journal = {American Journal of Computer Science and Technology},
  volume = {9},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-7},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajcst.20260901.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajcst.20260901.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajcst.20260901.11},
  abstract = {The increasing importance of privacy and secure communication in distributed environments has fueled research into innovative solutions that combine data concealment and tamper-resistant recordkeeping. This article presents a logically structured architectural framework for covert steganographic communication, utilizing the Microsoft Azure web3 ecosystem as its foundation. The motivation behind this research stems from the limitations of traditional steganography and blockchain technologies when used independently, particularly in addressing the challenges of operational transparency, scalability, and robust data protection. To bridge these gaps, the proposed system integrates Azure Blockchain Development Kit with other Azure native services to provide a unified architecture. This research article introduces a pioneering architectural framework designed to facilitate covert steganographic communication through blockchain technologies, with a focus on leveraging the Microsoft Azure web3 ecosystem. By integrating Azure Blockchain Development Kit (BDK), Azure Confidential Ledger, Azure Blockchain Services, and Azure Blockchain Workbench with Open Steganography solutions deployed on Azure Virtual Machines (VM), the proposed system aims to achieve secure, confidential, and unobtrusive data exchange. The research methodology encompasses a comprehensive literature review, system design, implementation, and rigorous security analysis, followed by experimental evaluation on cloud infrastructure. By leveraging the strengths of Azure’s blockchain and confidential ledger capabilities alongside advanced steganographic techniques, this study demonstrates a practical approach to achieving secure, confidential, and unobtrusive data exchange. The findings confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed solution, highlighting its potential to facilitate adaptive, scalable, and privacy-preserving covert communication networks. In conclusion, this work charts new directions for integrating blockchain and steganography within cloud-native platforms, offering enhanced privacy and security for sensitive communications in distributed settings.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - System and Methods in Building a Blockchain-based System for Covert Steganographic Communication
AU  - Babu Santhalingam
AU  - Shreemathi Vedantarajagopalan
AU  - Magesh Kasthuri
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DO  - 10.11648/j.ajcst.20260901.11
T2  - American Journal of Computer Science and Technology
JF  - American Journal of Computer Science and Technology
JO  - American Journal of Computer Science and Technology
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PB  - Science Publishing Group
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AB  - The increasing importance of privacy and secure communication in distributed environments has fueled research into innovative solutions that combine data concealment and tamper-resistant recordkeeping. This article presents a logically structured architectural framework for covert steganographic communication, utilizing the Microsoft Azure web3 ecosystem as its foundation. The motivation behind this research stems from the limitations of traditional steganography and blockchain technologies when used independently, particularly in addressing the challenges of operational transparency, scalability, and robust data protection. To bridge these gaps, the proposed system integrates Azure Blockchain Development Kit with other Azure native services to provide a unified architecture. This research article introduces a pioneering architectural framework designed to facilitate covert steganographic communication through blockchain technologies, with a focus on leveraging the Microsoft Azure web3 ecosystem. By integrating Azure Blockchain Development Kit (BDK), Azure Confidential Ledger, Azure Blockchain Services, and Azure Blockchain Workbench with Open Steganography solutions deployed on Azure Virtual Machines (VM), the proposed system aims to achieve secure, confidential, and unobtrusive data exchange. The research methodology encompasses a comprehensive literature review, system design, implementation, and rigorous security analysis, followed by experimental evaluation on cloud infrastructure. By leveraging the strengths of Azure’s blockchain and confidential ledger capabilities alongside advanced steganographic techniques, this study demonstrates a practical approach to achieving secure, confidential, and unobtrusive data exchange. The findings confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed solution, highlighting its potential to facilitate adaptive, scalable, and privacy-preserving covert communication networks. In conclusion, this work charts new directions for integrating blockchain and steganography within cloud-native platforms, offering enhanced privacy and security for sensitive communications in distributed settings.
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Author Information

Babu Santhalingam

Department of Computer Science and Applications, SCSVMV University, Kanchipuram, India

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0005-4592-9264
Shreemathi Vedantarajagopalan

Department of Mathematics and Sciences, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Nizwa, Oman

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9864-6317
Magesh Kasthuri

Technology Services, Wipro Limited, Bengaluru, India

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9581-2543

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APA Style

Santhalingam, B., Vedantarajagopalan, S., Kasthuri, M. (2026). System and Methods in Building a Blockchain-based System for Covert Steganographic Communication. American Journal of Computer Science and Technology, 9(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajcst.20260901.11

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ACS Style

Santhalingam, B.; Vedantarajagopalan, S.; Kasthuri, M. System and Methods in Building a Blockchain-based System for Covert Steganographic Communication. Am. J. Comput. Sci. Technol. 2026, 9(1), 1-7. doi: 10.11648/j.ajcst.20260901.11

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AMA Style

Santhalingam B, Vedantarajagopalan S, Kasthuri M. System and Methods in Building a Blockchain-based System for Covert Steganographic Communication. Am J Comput Sci Technol. 2026;9(1):1-7. doi: 10.11648/j.ajcst.20260901.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ajcst.20260901.11,
  author = {Babu Santhalingam and Shreemathi Vedantarajagopalan and Magesh Kasthuri},
  title = {System and Methods in Building a Blockchain-based System for Covert Steganographic Communication},
  journal = {American Journal of Computer Science and Technology},
  volume = {9},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-7},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajcst.20260901.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajcst.20260901.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajcst.20260901.11},
  abstract = {The increasing importance of privacy and secure communication in distributed environments has fueled research into innovative solutions that combine data concealment and tamper-resistant recordkeeping. This article presents a logically structured architectural framework for covert steganographic communication, utilizing the Microsoft Azure web3 ecosystem as its foundation. The motivation behind this research stems from the limitations of traditional steganography and blockchain technologies when used independently, particularly in addressing the challenges of operational transparency, scalability, and robust data protection. To bridge these gaps, the proposed system integrates Azure Blockchain Development Kit with other Azure native services to provide a unified architecture. This research article introduces a pioneering architectural framework designed to facilitate covert steganographic communication through blockchain technologies, with a focus on leveraging the Microsoft Azure web3 ecosystem. By integrating Azure Blockchain Development Kit (BDK), Azure Confidential Ledger, Azure Blockchain Services, and Azure Blockchain Workbench with Open Steganography solutions deployed on Azure Virtual Machines (VM), the proposed system aims to achieve secure, confidential, and unobtrusive data exchange. The research methodology encompasses a comprehensive literature review, system design, implementation, and rigorous security analysis, followed by experimental evaluation on cloud infrastructure. By leveraging the strengths of Azure’s blockchain and confidential ledger capabilities alongside advanced steganographic techniques, this study demonstrates a practical approach to achieving secure, confidential, and unobtrusive data exchange. The findings confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed solution, highlighting its potential to facilitate adaptive, scalable, and privacy-preserving covert communication networks. In conclusion, this work charts new directions for integrating blockchain and steganography within cloud-native platforms, offering enhanced privacy and security for sensitive communications in distributed settings.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - System and Methods in Building a Blockchain-based System for Covert Steganographic Communication
AU  - Babu Santhalingam
AU  - Shreemathi Vedantarajagopalan
AU  - Magesh Kasthuri
Y1  - 2026/01/19
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajcst.20260901.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajcst.20260901.11
T2  - American Journal of Computer Science and Technology
JF  - American Journal of Computer Science and Technology
JO  - American Journal of Computer Science and Technology
SP  - 1
EP  - 7
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2640-012X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajcst.20260901.11
AB  - The increasing importance of privacy and secure communication in distributed environments has fueled research into innovative solutions that combine data concealment and tamper-resistant recordkeeping. This article presents a logically structured architectural framework for covert steganographic communication, utilizing the Microsoft Azure web3 ecosystem as its foundation. The motivation behind this research stems from the limitations of traditional steganography and blockchain technologies when used independently, particularly in addressing the challenges of operational transparency, scalability, and robust data protection. To bridge these gaps, the proposed system integrates Azure Blockchain Development Kit with other Azure native services to provide a unified architecture. This research article introduces a pioneering architectural framework designed to facilitate covert steganographic communication through blockchain technologies, with a focus on leveraging the Microsoft Azure web3 ecosystem. By integrating Azure Blockchain Development Kit (BDK), Azure Confidential Ledger, Azure Blockchain Services, and Azure Blockchain Workbench with Open Steganography solutions deployed on Azure Virtual Machines (VM), the proposed system aims to achieve secure, confidential, and unobtrusive data exchange. The research methodology encompasses a comprehensive literature review, system design, implementation, and rigorous security analysis, followed by experimental evaluation on cloud infrastructure. By leveraging the strengths of Azure’s blockchain and confidential ledger capabilities alongside advanced steganographic techniques, this study demonstrates a practical approach to achieving secure, confidential, and unobtrusive data exchange. The findings confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed solution, highlighting its potential to facilitate adaptive, scalable, and privacy-preserving covert communication networks. In conclusion, this work charts new directions for integrating blockchain and steganography within cloud-native platforms, offering enhanced privacy and security for sensitive communications in distributed settings.
VL  - 9
IS  - 1
ER  -

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