Enhancing Data Protection and User Verification in Password Management Systems through Integrated Steganography and Cryptographic systems

Abstract

This research introduces a hybrid authentication system that combines decentralized and centralized security methods, leveraging cryptographic and steganographic techniques to create a secure and user-friendly solution. The system provides users with dual authentication options: a blockchain wallet seed phrase or a novel image-based approach. In registration, a public-private key pair is generated, with the public key stored centrally and private key retrieval enabled through memory-based questions and steganography. The login process offers flexibility, allowing users to either input a seed phrase or answer questions related to an uploaded image. This hybrid model optimizes security by balancing decentralized security with the familiarity of centralized elements, addressing issues like usability, memory retention, and cognitive load. Furthermore, evaluations show that graphical and question-based authentication methods are more intuitive and memorable than traditional passwords, thus reducing recall errors and enhancing security in practical applications. This system provides a significant advancement in secure and adaptable authentication, suitable for various user preferences and ensuring robust data protection.