Watermarking vs. Steganography — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on January 10, 2024
Watermarking embeds a visible or invisible mark for ownership or authenticity, while steganography hides information within other data, often for secrecy.
Difference Between Watermarking and Steganography
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Watermarking involves embedding marks in media for identification. Steganography conceals information within other files.
Watermarks can be visible or invisible. Steganography aims for complete invisibility.
Watermarking deters unauthorized use. Steganography hides information for secrecy.
Watermarking is common in digital media. Steganography is used for covert communication.
Watermarking doesn't prioritize data integrity. Steganography ensures hidden data is undetectable.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Purpose
Identification and ownership
Secrecy and covert communication
Visibility
Visible or invisible
Designed to be invisible
Usage
Deters unauthorized use or copying
Hides information within other data
Common Applications
Digital media, documents
Covert communication, sensitive data
Priority
Ownership and authenticity
Undetectability and data integrity
Compare with Definitions
Watermarking
Deters unauthorized copying.
Watermarking software prevents illegal distribution.
Steganography
Concealing information within other data.
Steganography can hide a text message inside an image file.
Watermarking
Common in digital media.
Watermarking is standard in stock photography.
Steganography
Prioritizes undetectability.
Steganography techniques make hidden data invisible to casual observers.
Watermarking
Asserts ownership or authenticity.
Artists often use watermarking to claim their work.
Steganography
Ensures hidden data integrity.
Proper steganography ensures the hidden message isn't corrupted.
Watermarking
A mark showing the greatest height to which water has risen.
Steganography
Often used for sensitive data.
Sensitive documents may use steganography for extra security.
Watermarking
A line indicating the heights of high and low tide.
Steganography
Used for covert communication.
Steganography allows secret messages to be sent without detection.
Watermarking
A translucent design impressed on paper during manufacture and visible when the paper is held to the light.
Steganography
The deliberate concealment of data within other data, as by embedding digitized text in a digitized image.
Watermarking
The metal pattern that produces this design.
Steganography
The practice of hiding messages, so that the presence of the message itself is hidden, often by writing them in places where they may not be found until someone finds the secret message in whatever is being used to hide it.
Watermarking
Information directly encoded into the data portion of an image, video, or audio file that identifies the copyright owner or a licensed user. In image or video files, a watermark may be either visible or invisible.
Steganography
Specifically: the use of small computer files to communicate secret information.
Watermarking
To mark (paper) with a watermark.
Steganography
The art of writing in cipher, or in characters which are not intelligible except to persons who have the key; cryptography.
Watermarking
To impress (a pattern or design) as a watermark.
Steganography
The branch of cryptography in which messages are hidden inside other messages; - used commonly for the process of hiding messages inside a computerized image file, as for example hiding the name and copyright notice of the owner of an image as protection against violation of the copyright.
Watermarking
To insert (a digital file) with a watermark.
Watermarking
Infl of watermark
Watermarking
Embedding identifying marks in media.
Watermarking photos protects them from unauthorized use.
Watermarking
Can be visible or invisible.
Some digital documents have invisible watermarks for tracking.
Common Curiosities
What is watermarking?
Watermarking is embedding marks in media for identification or ownership.
Is steganography detectable?
Properly executed steganography is designed to be undetectable.
What is steganography?
Steganography is the practice of hiding information within other data.
Can steganography be used in audio?
Yes, steganography can be applied to various media, including audio.
Can watermarking be invisible?
Yes, digital watermarking can be invisible to the naked eye.
Why use watermarking?
Watermarking is used to deter unauthorized use or to prove authenticity.
Why is steganography used?
Steganography is used for secrecy and covert communication.
Does watermarking affect media quality?
Visible watermarks may affect aesthetics, but invisible ones generally don't impact quality.
Is watermarking legally binding?
Watermarks can be used as a legal claim of ownership, but their legal weight varies.
Can watermarking be removed?
Some watermarks, especially visible ones, can be removed, but this may be illegal or unethical.
Can steganography be hacked?
While challenging, sophisticated techniques can potentially detect or decode steganography.
How is digital watermarking applied?
Digital watermarking is typically applied using specialized software.
What are the risks of steganography?
If detected, it can raise suspicions; also, poor execution can lead to data loss.
What's the main goal of steganography?
The main goal is to communicate information secretly.
Are watermarks always visible?
No, some watermarks are designed to be invisible, detectable only with specific tools.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
PLA vs. PAL
Next Comparison
Aspect Ratio vs. ResolutionAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
