Steganography involves hiding messages within other non-secret data, such as embedding text within an image file or using invisible ink on paper. Its primary aim is to obscure the fact that a message exists at all, making detection difficult without specific tools or knowledge of the technique used.

In contrast, cryptography focuses on securing the content of messages through encryption. It transforms plaintext into ciphertext using algorithms and keys, ensuring that only authorized parties with the decryption key can access the original message. Cryptography safeguards data integrity and confidentiality during transmission and storage, protecting it from unauthorized access or interception.

While steganography and cryptography both protect information, they differ in their approaches and objectives. Steganography aims to achieve secrecy by hiding messages, whereas cryptography emphasizes securing the content itself from being understood by unauthorized parties. Both techniques can be used independently or together to enhance data security in various applications, from digital communication to information storage and privacy protection in sensitive environments.