Information hiding in images has gained popularity. As image steganography gains relevance, techniques for detecting hidden messages have emerged. Statistical steganalysis mechanisms detect the presence of hidden secret messages in images, rendering images a prime target for cyber-attacks. Also, studies examining image steganography techniques are limited. This paper aims to fill the existing gap in extant literature on image steganography schemes capable of resisting statistical steganalysis attacks, by providing a comprehensive systematic literature review. This will ensure image steganography researchers and data protection practitioners are updated on current trends in information security assurance mechanisms. The study sampled 125 articles from ACM Digital Library, IEEE Explore, Science Direct, and Wiley. Using PRISMA, articles were synthesized and analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. A comprehensive discussion on image steganography techniques in terms of their robustness against well-known universal statistical steganalysis attacks including Regular-Singular (RS) and Chi-Square (X2) are provided. Trends in publication, techniques and methods, performance evaluation metrics, and security impacts were discussed. Extensive comparisons were drawn among existing techniques to evaluate their merits and limitations. It was observed that Generative Adversarial Networks dominate image steganography techniques and have become the preferred method by scholars within the domain. Artificial intelligence-powered algorithms including Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Convolutional Neural Networks, and Genetic Algorithms are recently dominating image steganography research as they enhance security. The implication is that previously preferred traditional techniques such as LSB algorithms are receiving less attention. Future Research may consider emerging technologies like blockchain technology, artificial neural networks, and biometric and facial recognition technologies to improve the robustness and security capabilities of image steganography applications.
This paper expands the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) to include four additional constructs (security, risk, institutional trust, and technology trust), providing a more comprehensive understanding of mobile banking applications (m-banking apps) adoption. It also highlights the significant role of demographic factors in moderating the impact of these constructs, offering practical insights for promoting the use of mobile devices to access and manage banking services. Data were collected using an online survey from 315 mobile banking users and analysed using covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM). Most constructs of the baseline UTAUT2 were validated in the m-banking context, with the additional constructs confirmed to affect user intention to adopt m-banking apps, except perceived risk. The model explained 79% of the variance in behavioural intention (BI), and 54.7% in use behaviour (UB), achieving higher fit than the baseline UTAUT2. Age, gender, experience, income, and education moderated the impact of perceived security and institutional trust on BI; age, education, and experience moderated technology trust on BI; and age, gender, and experience moderated perceived security on UB. The guarantee of enhanced security, advanced privacy mechanisms, and trust should be considered paramount in future strategies aimed at promoting m-banking app adoption and use. Overall, the paper advances scientific knowledge by providing a more nuanced and comprehensive framework for understanding m-banking app adoption, validating new constructs, and offering practical recommendations for promoting m-banking usage.
User trust in social networking sites (SNS) has become an important issue in SNS discussions. This is because of its impact on knowledge sharing, social commerce, social interaction, among many others. However, information systems researchers have primarily explored the benefits of trust with little attention to its antecedents. In an attempt to address this knowledge gap, this study proposed a model that investigated the factors that promote trust among SNS users. Data was gathered from voluntary respondents using a questionnaire. A PLS-SEM analysis of 912 valid responses suggested that Norm of Reciprocity, Social Interaction Ties and Identification are significant factors that encourage Trust among SNS users. Shared Language was also identified to have impact on Norm of Reciprocity, Social Interaction Ties and Identification. The results of the study provide significant theoretical and practical contributions. They bridge the knowledge gap regarding the formation of Trust on SNS. The model evaluated explains 49.6% of the variance in Trust and thus suitable for analyzing the antecedents of Trust on SNS. Furthermore, with the significance of Identification, Social Interaction Ties and Norm of Reciprocity on Trust, SNS developers are tasked to offer SNS features that proliferate the formation of these factors as well as shared interpretations.
Cybercrime incidents continue to plague economic development in the African region. Prior research indicates that millions of dollars are lost annually due to this menace. The prospects of Digital Forensics Investigation (DFI) as evident in developed countries provide hope for defeating cybercriminals. The paper assesses the effectiveness of legal infrastructure, technical mechanisms, the availability of capacity building programs, organisational infrastructure as well as the existence of cooperation mechanisms among relevant institutions in Ghana. The paper contends to the existence of legislation and mandated institutions. It concludes that, though the sector has recorded advancements over the years, the progress has been very slow leaving DFI still at an infant stage. Existing legislations are scattered and cumbersome whereas mandated institutions lack the requisite capacity. There is a need to streamline existing laws into a comprehensively harmonized legal framework. Furthermore, heavy investments must be deployed to boost the capacities of relevant institutions.
17 April 2017 in International Journal of Computer Applications