Which steganography type is described as hiding the secret message in a pattern on the document that is unclear to the average reader?

• A. Open code steganography
• B. Visual semagrams steganography
• C. Text semagrams steganography
• D. Technical steganography

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is that a hidden message can be placed into a document by using an identifiable pattern that looks ordinary to anyone who isn’t in on the convention. Open code steganography relies on such patterns being a prearranged code: the document appears normal, but a reader who knows the open code can extract the secret from the pattern itself. For example, spacing, capitalization, or other visible formatting might be used according to a shared rule so that the average reader wouldn’t notice the concealed message. This matches the description because the secret is embedded in the document’s pattern in a way that isn’t obvious without the specific code. Other types focus more on visual symbols, textual arrangements, or separate technical channels, rather than a straightforward, open-code pattern within the document itself.