PNG Mask

There are many ways to encrypt important data before it is shared, but one method that does not see a lot of use is steganography. Essentially, this means hiding sensitive information, whether a file or message, within another file, which can then be protected with a password.

PNG Mask is a very simple utility that allows you to hide pictures, messages, binary files or URL lists within PNG images. It supports multiple steganography methods and features a minimalistic UI.

This application is worth a try if you are looking for a way to share important information without making it clear that it is included in a certain file, encrypted or not.

The PNG images exported by this utility are just like any other picture file, except they also store additional data that can be extracted later.

The encryption process is simple enough, as you just have to load the source PNG file and then attach another image, binary file, link list or plain text. The application protects hidden data using an XOR one-time pad, and you can choose from several methods, such as EOF, tEXt and IDAT.

When opening a processed file, you first need to provide the password that was used to encrypt it. Next, you have to select the correct steganography method in order to view the hidden information.

PNG Mask is not the most advanced application out there, and its user interface could certainly use some polish. Nevertheless, it has a very simple layout and is not particularly difficult to use, although some documentation would still have come in handy.

On the whole, this is a lightweight, no-nonsense utility that enables you to hide important information or files within PNG images. It offers a rather limited array of features and an outdated UI, but it is a great tool for concealing data in an inconspicuous manner.