As part of UNCOVER’s project objectives to boost research in steganalysis and guide the end-user to detect information hidden in innocent-looking digital media, the project partner University of Vigo participated in lectures/events aimed at secondary school students and the general public to bring the UNCOVER Project research closer to society.

Under the title of “Image Detectives,” members of the UVIGO team have given several talks in high schools of the four Galician provinces and also in “Expo fairs” (i.e., open-house events) at Vigo, covering the science behind UVIGO’s research work in UNCOVER.

The topic was brought closer in a funny/entertaining way, dressed up as Sherlock Holmes and posing enigmas and puzzle games to children, or more formally to adult audiences, by showcasing illustrative examples and explaining how math can help sort out different research problems.

The aim is to raise awareness of possible misuse of innocent-looking images and point out current image forensics and steganalysis techniques that enable the detection of such hidden information.

The role of end users in project development is critical for feedback with LEAs and forensic institutes to ensure that the solutions developed can be integrated into the LEA’s criminal investigation process.

Here are some insights: