StegZero

Hide secret messages in plain sight using zero-width characters

Encode Message

Encoded message will appear here.

Decode Message

Decoded message will appear here.

How StegZero Hides Messages Using Zero-Width Characters

What is Steganography?

  • Steganography is the practice of concealing messages or information within other non-secret text or data.
  • It can be used to hide text within images, audio files, video files, or even other text files.
  • The goal is to ensure that the presence of the hidden message is not detectable by casual observation.
  • Steganography is often used in conjunction with cryptography to provide an additional layer of security.

The Technical Process of Hiding Messages

  • Converts your hidden message into binary format, using an 8-bit binary string for each character.
  • Splits the binary message into 6-bit chunks and pads the last chunk if necessary.
  • Uses zero-width characters to represent binary digits: zero-width space (​) represents '0,' and zero-width non-joiner (‌) represents '1.'
  • Embeds these invisible characters into the visible text, making the hidden message undetectable at first glance.
  • The hidden message remains concealed within the visible content, without affecting its appearance.
  • During decoding, extracts zero-width characters from the encoded text and converts them back to binary.
  • Groups the binary message into 8-bit chunks and decodes it back to the original message.

Best Practices for Hiding Text with Zero-Width Characters

  • Keep hidden messages short and concise to avoid detection.
  • Use simple, unmodified visible text for embedding the hidden message.
  • Test the encoded message on the intended platform to ensure the zero-width characters are preserved.
  • Maintain a backup of important hidden messages in case the invisible characters are removed by text editors.

Limitations of Zero-Width Steganography

  • Not all platforms or text editors preserve zero-width characters, which can result in the loss of the hidden message.
  • Zero-width steganography is not suitable for secure communication, as it can be detected by those familiar with the method.
  • Some text editors or platforms may strip invisible characters, rendering the hidden message unreadable.
  • This method should only be used where security is not a primary concern.

Important Note

This tool is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not a secure encryption method and should not be used for sensitive or confidential information. For secure communication, consider using proper encryption tools.