File Obfuscator User Manual

Table of Contents

1. Overview
2. How It Works
3. Features
4. Usage Guide
5. Security Features
6. Troubleshooting
7. Examples
8. Best Practices

Overview

File Obfuscation is a feature in iotsploit client that combines steganography and encryption to hide files within images. It provides a secure way to conceal sensitive documents, messages, or any digital content within seemingly innocent image files, effectively bypassing regulatory monitoring and content filtering systems.

Location: In iotsploit client, the File Obfuscation tool is available in the Toolkit section under the “File Obfuscation” card.

What is Steganography?

Steganography is the practice of concealing information within other non-secret data or a physical object. In our case, we hide files within images in a way that is invisible to the human eye and difficult to detect without the proper tools.

What is File Obfuscation?

File obfuscation involves making files unreadable or unrecognizable to unauthorized users while maintaining their original functionality for authorized users.

Regulatory Bypass Benefits

By embedding files within images, this tool provides an effective method to bypass regulatory monitoring systems:

• Content Filtering Evasion: Image files are typically not subject to the same content scanning as document files
• Network Monitoring Avoidance: Image transfers often pass through monitoring systems without triggering alerts
• Platform Restrictions Bypass: Many platforms allow image sharing while restricting document uploads
• Stealth Communication: Enables secure file transmission that appears as normal image sharing

How It Works

The File Obfuscator uses a multi-layered approach to securely hide files:

1. Encryption Layer

• AES-256 Encryption: Industry-standard encryption algorithm
• Salt Generation: Random 16-byte salt for each operation
• IV (Initialization Vector): Random 16-byte IV for each encryption
• Key Derivation: PBKDF2-like key derivation using HMAC-SHA256

2. Compression Layer

• ZIP Archive: Compresses encrypted data for efficient storage
• Metadata Storage: Stores file information and encryption parameters
• File Organization: Structured archive with encrypted file and metadata

3. Steganography Layer

• Image Carrier: Uses your selected image as the carrier
• Data Appending: Appends the encrypted archive to the image data
• Seamless Integration: The image remains visually identical

Features

🔒 Advanced Security

• AES-256 encryption with CBC mode
• Unique salt and IV for each operation
• Strong password-based key derivation
• Tamper-resistant metadata storage

🖼️ Image Compatibility

• Supports all common image formats
• Maintains original image quality
• No visible changes to the carrier image
• Efficient data embedding

📦 Smart Compression

• ZIP compression for optimal storage
• Metadata preservation
• Fast compression and decompression
• Cross-platform compatibility

🔑 Password Protection

• User-defined passwords
• Salt-based key derivation
• No password storage in the system
• Secure key generation

🚫 Regulatory Bypass

• Bypasses content filtering systems
• Evades network monitoring
• Overcomes platform restrictions
• Enables stealth file transmission

Usage Guide

How to Find the File Obfuscator Tool

The File Obfuscator tool is located in the Toolkit section of your Flutter application:

1. Launch the Application

   • Open your Flutter application
   • Look for the main navigation menu

2. Navigate to Toolkit

   • Find and click on the “Toolkit” menu item
   • This will take you to the tools overview page

3. Locate File Obfuscation

   • Look for the “File Obfuscation” card
   • It displays the description: “Hide files in images using steganography and encryption”
   • The card has a distinctive icon representing file obfuscation

4. Access the Tool

   • Click on the “File Obfuscation” card
   • This will open the File Obfuscator interface

Prerequisites

• Flutter GUI application with the File Obfuscator tool
• Image file to use as carrier
• File to hide
• Strong password for encryption

Step 1: Hiding Files

1. Open the File Obfuscator Tool

   • Launch your Flutter application
   • Navigate to the Toolkit section
   • Click on the “File Obfuscation” card
   • Select “Hide File” option from the tool interface

2. Select Your Files

   • Choose the file you want to hide
   • Select the image to use as carrier
   • Enter a strong password for encryption

3. Configure Settings

   • Verify file and image selections
   • Check encryption settings
   • Confirm output location

4. Execute the Process

   • Click the “Hide File” button
   • Wait for the process to complete
   • Save the resulting obfuscated image

Step 2: Extracting Files

1. Open the Extraction Tool

   • Navigate to the Toolkit section
   • Click on the “File Obfuscation” card
   • Select “Extract File” option from the tool interface

2. Load the Obfuscated Image

   • Select the image containing hidden data
   • Enter the password used for encryption

3. Extract the File

   • Click the “Extract File” button
   • Wait for the decryption process
   • Choose where to save the extracted file

4. Verify Results

   • Check that the file was extracted correctly
   • Verify original filename is preserved
   • Ensure file integrity is maintained

Important Warning

If the obfuscated image is compressed or modified by chat applications (WeChat, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.), file extraction may fail. Always use the original obfuscated image file for extraction.

Security Features

Encryption Details

• Algorithm: AES-256 with CBC mode
• Key Size: 256 bits (32 bytes)
• Salt: 16 bytes random salt per operation
• IV: 16 bytes random IV per encryption
• Key Derivation: HMAC-SHA256 with salt

Security Benefits

• Confidentiality: Files are encrypted and unreadable without the password
• Integrity: Tampering with the image will corrupt the hidden data
• Authentication: Only users with the correct password can access files
• Non-repudiation: Each operation uses unique encryption parameters

Threat Protection

• Brute Force: Strong encryption makes password guessing extremely difficult
• Known Plaintext: Salt and IV prevent pattern analysis
• Side Channel: No timing or memory leaks in implementation
• Data Recovery: Corrupted images cannot be used to recover hidden files
• Regulatory Detection: Steganography techniques make detection extremely difficult
• Content Analysis: Bypasses automatic content scanning and filtering systems

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

1. “Failed to create ZIP archive”

Cause: Memory issues or corrupted input data Solution:

• Ensure sufficient memory is available
• Verify input file integrity
• Check file size limits

2. “No hidden file found in image”

Cause: Image doesn’t contain hidden data or is corrupted Solution:

• Verify the image contains hidden data
• Check if image was modified after hiding
• Ensure you’re using the correct image file

3. “Metadata file not found in hidden data”

Cause: Corrupted or incomplete hidden data Solution:

• Verify image wasn’t truncated
• Check for file corruption
• Ensure complete image loading

4. “Error extracting file”

Cause: Incorrect password or data corruption Solution:

• Verify password is correct
• Check for typos in password
• Ensure image wasn’t modified

5. “File extraction failed after chat transmission”

Cause: Chat application compressed or modified the image Solution:

• Always use original obfuscated image file
• Avoid sharing through chat apps that compress images
• Use direct file transfer methods (email, cloud storage, USB)
• Verify image file size hasn’t changed after transmission

Performance Tips

• Use appropriate image sizes for hiding files
• Consider file compression before hiding
• Use strong but memorable passwords
• Keep backups of original files

Use Cases

Scenario 1: Hiding Personal Documents

Use Case: You want to hide important personal documents like contracts, certificates, or financial statements within seemingly innocent photos.

Process:

1. Select your sensitive document file
2. Choose a family photo or vacation picture as carrier
3. Set a strong, memorable password
4. Hide the file and save the result
5. Store the obfuscated image securely

Benefit: Your documents are now hidden in plain sight, appearing as just another photo in your collection.

Scenario 2: Secure File Sharing

Use Case: You need to share confidential files with colleagues or clients via email or cloud storage.

Process:

1. Hide the confidential file within a professional-looking image
2. Share the image file through your preferred channel
3. Provide the password separately through secure communication
4. Recipient uses the tool to extract the hidden file

Benefit: Files can be shared through any channel without revealing their sensitive nature.

Scenario 3: Backup and Archival

Use Case: You want to create secure backups of important files that won’t attract attention.

Process:

1. Hide multiple important files in individual images
2. Use memorable images as carriers
3. Store obfuscated images in multiple locations
4. Access your files anytime with the password

Benefit: Secure backups that blend in with your regular photo collection.

Best Practices

Security Best Practices

1. Use Strong Passwords

   • Minimum 12 characters
   • Mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
   • Avoid common words or patterns
   • Use unique passwords for different purposes

2. Choose Appropriate Carrier Images

   • Use high-quality images
   • Avoid heavily compressed formats
   • Consider image size vs hidden file size
   • Use images that won’t raise suspicion

3. File Management

   • Keep backups of original files
   • Store passwords securely
   • Don’t share obfuscated images publicly
   • Regularly update passwords

4. Image Transmission Security

   • Never share through chat apps that compress images (WeChat, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)
   • Use direct file transfer methods (email, cloud storage, USB drives)
   • Verify file integrity after transmission
   • Keep original obfuscated images for extraction

Performance Best Practices

1. File Size Optimization

   • Consider file size before hiding (larger files take longer to process)
   • Use appropriate image formats (JPEG for photos, PNG for graphics)
   • Balance image quality with processing speed
   • Be patient with large files

2. Tool Usage

   • Don’t interrupt processes while running
   • Close other applications to free system resources
   • Ensure stable network connection if using cloud features
   • Keep application updated for best performance

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Support and Contact

For technical support or questions about the File Obfuscator:

• Documentation: Refer to this manual
• Troubleshooting: Use the troubleshooting guide
• Security: Review security best practices