Convolutional Neural Networks for Steganalysis via Transfer Learning

Recently, a large number of studies have shown that Convolutional Neural Networks are effective for learning features automatically for steganalysis. This paper uses the transfer learning method to help the training of CNNs for steganalysis. First, a Gaussian high-pass filter is designed for pretreatment of the images, that can enhance the weak stego noise in the stegos. Then, the classical Inception-V3 model is improved, and the improved network is used for steganalysis through the method of transfer learning. In order to test the effectiveness of the developed model, two spatial domain content-adaptive steganographic algorithms WOW and S-UNIWARD are used. The results imply that the proposed CNN achieves a better performance at low embedding rates compared with the SRM with ensemble classifiers and the SPAM implemented with a Gaussian SVM on BOSSbase. Finally, a steganalysis system based on the trained model was designed. Through experiments, the generalization ability of the system was tested and discussed.