Secure File Encryption & Steganography System
AetherVault is a file encryption tool that combines AES-256 encryption with LSB steganography to hide encrypted files inside 4K images. The tool works completely offline and provides a modern interface for batch processing.
- AES-256-GCM Encryption - Industry-standard encryption algorithm
- 4K Steganography - Hide data in high-resolution images (3840x2160)
- Argon2id Key Derivation - Memory-hard key derivation function
- ZLIB Compression - Automatic data compression before encryption
- Offline Operation - No internet required (fallback gradient generation)
- Batch Processing - Handle multiple files simultaneously
- Drag & Drop Interface - Modern PyQt6 interface
- Python 3.9 or higher
- Linux (tested on Kali Linux, should work on other distributions)
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/aether-vault.git
cd aether-vault
pip install -r requirements.txt
python3 aether_vault.pyTo add AetherVault to your file manager's context menu:
# Create desktop entry
mkdir -p ~/.local/share/applications
cat > ~/.local/share/applications/aether-vault.desktop << 'EOF'
[Desktop Entry]
Type=Application
Name=Aether Vault
Exec=python3 /full/path/to/aether_vault.py %F
Icon=security-high
Terminal=false
Categories=Utility;Security;
MimeType=application/octet-stream;image/png;
EOF
# Update desktop database
update-desktop-database ~/.local/share/applications/Replace /full/path/to/aether_vault.py with the actual path to the script.
Launch the application:
python3 aether_vault.py- Add files using the "Add Files" button or drag and drop
- Enter an encryption password
- Click "PROCESS FILES"
- Encrypted files will be saved as
*_VAULT.png
# Encrypt a file
python3 aether_vault.py /path/to/file.pdf
# Decrypt a file
python3 aether_vault.py /path/to/file_VAULT.png- Algorithm: AES-256-GCM (Authenticated Encryption)
- Key Derivation: Argon2id (2 iterations, 64MB memory, 4 lanes)
- Salt: 16 bytes (random per encryption)
- Nonce: 12 bytes (random per encryption)
- Method: LSB (Least Significant Bit)
- Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels)
- Capacity: Approximately 2.5-3 MB per image
- Format: PNG output
File → ZLIB Compression → AES-256 Encryption → Hex Encoding →
4K Image Generation → LSB Embedding → PNG Output
- Encrypted files:
originalname_VAULT.png - Decrypted files:
originalname_RECOVERED.ext
- Maximum file size: ~2.5 MB (due to steganography capacity limits)
- Output format: PNG only
- Password recovery: Not possible (use strong, memorable passwords)
- Password Strength: Use strong passwords (12+ characters, mixed case, numbers, symbols)
- Backup: Keep backups of original files before encryption
- No Recovery: Lost passwords cannot be recovered
- PNG Modification: Do not edit the PNG file or data will be lost
Your file exceeds the 2.5 MB capacity limit. Consider:
- Compressing the file before encryption
- Splitting large files into smaller parts
- Verify you're using the correct password
- Ensure the PNG file hasn't been modified or corrupted
pip install --upgrade -r requirements.txtMIT License - See LICENSE file for details
Contributions are welcome. Please follow these guidelines:
- Fork the repository
- Create a feature branch
- Test your changes thoroughly
- Submit a pull request with a clear description
This tool is for educational and legitimate security purposes only. Users are responsible for complying with applicable laws and regulations. The developers assume no liability for misuse.
aether-vault/
├── aether_vault.py # Main application
├── crypto_manager.py # Encryption/decryption logic
├── image_factory.py # Image generation and steganography
├── requirements.txt # Python dependencies
├── README.md # This file
├── LICENSE # MIT License
└── .gitignore # Git ignore rules
Current version: 2.0
For version history, see commit logs.