#3 - eHIPS | Devpost

Option 1 - Simply Encoding Information
Option 2 - Simply Decoding Information
Option 3 - Sending Email along with Hidden Information
Option 4 - Decoding email in order to find the hidden information
One must encode some information before sending an email
Receiving an email with hidden information

Inspiration

In response to the escalating cybersecurity threats and growing online privacy concerns, our team at Hoya Hacks, Georgetown University, embarked on a mission to revolutionize secure information sharing. Fueled by the surge in cyber threats, we aimed to create a solution allowing individuals to communicate sensitive information online without the fear of interception or compromise.

As a generation witnessing the proliferation of online communication, fundamental questions about trust and security emerged. These questions ignited the development of e-HIPS.

What it Does

e-HIPS, a Python-based program, is a powerful tool for encoding and decoding hidden information within text messages. It provides a secure and innovative way to share messages, incorporating steganography into the digital realm. e-HIPS also supports steganography in emails, enabling users to send concealed content securely.

Features

Text Steganography: Encode and decode hidden messages within text using Zero-Width Characters.
Clipboard Integration: Seamlessly copy encoded messages to the clipboard for easy sharing.
Email Steganography: Conceal messages within emails for covert communication.

Building Blocks

Calculated Zero-Width Characters (ZWC).
Designed a specialized algorithm for this purpose.
The algorithm facilitated the conversion of the user's concealed input into ZWC characters, ensuring it remains hidden in plain sight. It also managed the merging and secure transmission via email servers, including those of email clients like Google.

Our approach involved a comprehensive exploration of ZWCs, aligning our understanding with project goals. The journey from ideation to execution presented both challenges and valuable learning opportunities. We immersed ourselves in mathematical concepts, meticulously researched Zero-Width Characters and steganography intricacies, and skillfully navigated the development of Command Line Interface (CLI) tools.

Dependencies

colorama: Facilitates ANSI color-coded terminal text output.
pyperclip: Ensures cross-platform clipboard functionality.
tabulate: Enables pretty-printing of tabular data.
asciimatics: Powers the creation of full-screen text-based applications.
Pillow: Python Imaging Library (PIL Fork) for image manipulation.
pyfiglet: Provides stylized text banners.
numpy: Essential for numerical operations, especially used by Pillow.

Challenges We Overcame

Our journey in creating e-HIPS presented substantial challenges, each refining our problem-solving skills and resilience:

Understanding ZWC Arithmetic: Delving into the intricacies of Zero-Width Characters (ZWCs) and comprehending the underlying arithmetic proved to be a significant challenge.
Algorithmic Refinement: The iterative process of understanding and refining the algorithm became a necessity, as mismatches during the encoding and decoding phases demanded multiple rebuilds of the entire software.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Addressing differences across operating systems and ensuring seamless cross-platform support posed a complex challenge that required meticulous attention.
Limited Encoding Information: The scarcity of information on encoding Zero-Width characters added a layer of complexity to the development process.
Integration Challenges: Struggling with merging encoded text and Zero-Width Characters led to decoding or encoding errors, requiring careful consideration and adjustments.
Operating System Discrepancies: Overcoming issues related to operating system disparities became imperative for the successful building of dependencies.
CLI Tool Customization: Tailoring the Command Line Interface (CLI) tool to ensure compatibility with both Mac and Windows systems demanded thorough customization.
Dependency Compatibility: Navigating compatibility issues with specific dependencies posed a constant challenge throughout the development process.

In the face of these challenges, our team demonstrated resilience and adaptability, ultimately achieving success in the development of e-HIPS.

Accomplishments We're Proud Of

Despite the hurdles, our journey with e-HIPS was marked by achievements that we hold dear:

Designing an MVP in 36 hours.
Rapid learning and application of steganography and digital forensic concepts.
Enjoyable brainstorming sessions resulting in innovative solutions.
Dedication to debugging, refining our skills under pressure.
The satisfaction of uncovering a variable name discrepancy after hours of perseverance.

What We Learned

Hoya Hacks provided an invaluable learning experience, equipping us with skills that extend beyond the realm of coding:

Sharpened debugging skills through constant error identification and resolution.
Improved ability to comprehend and navigate complex concepts under tight deadlines.
Networking opportunities with peers and exposure to a plethora of vibrant ideas.

What's Next for e-HIPS

While e-HIPS originated as a spontaneous idea during the hackathon, its potential has sparked further development plans:

Adding AES-256 Encryption and Decryption to the existing algorithm to add a layer of security and increase the number of combinations through salts, lowering the chances of data getting decoded upon interception.
Enhance encoding levels and refine the honeypot (make it more tempting) for increased security.
Implement size reduction and compression algorithms like Zpaq for enhanced invisibility and data "hiding."

As we embark on the nascent stages of our journey with e-HIPS, the path ahead brims with promise and potential. We eagerly anticipate the iterative process of refining and enhancing this innovative tool, envisioning its growth and impact within the expansive landscape of secure communication. Our commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation ensures that e-HIPS will evolve to meet the dynamic challenges of secure communication, becoming a stalwart solution in safeguarding sensitive information.