Stealth message transmission in a network

摘要

Embodiments of the invention include methods of transmitting a hidden message within a secured primary data transmission. In one embodiment, a method involves transmitting a primary data transmission over a computer network from a source host to a receiving host. Intentionally-corrupted packets are introduced within the primary data transmission in a manner providing a hidden message. For example, a pattern of intentionally-corrupted packets may be used to encode the hidden message. Alternatively, the hidden message may be embedded within the data area of the intentionally-corrupted packets. The intentionally-corrupted packets are received and interpreted at the receiving host to determine the hidden message.