Steganography is the art and science of hiding information within other information. It is a technique used to covertly communicate a message without arousing suspicion. In the digital age, steganography is commonly used to hide data within image, audio, and video files. There are several free and open source steganography tools available that allow users to hide messages in various media files.

Here are 12 of the best free and open source steganography tools:

1. OpenStego
OpenStego is a free and open source steganography tool that allows users to hide data within image files. It supports various image formats such as BMP, GIF, and JPEG. OpenStego also provides encryption options to secure the hidden data.

2. SilentEye
SilentEye is another popular steganography tool that supports hiding text within image and audio files. It offers encryption options and password protection to secure the hidden data.

3. Camouflage
Camouflage is a free steganography tool that can hide data within image files. It supports various image formats and provides a simple and user-friendly interface.

4. Steghide
Steghide is a command line steganography tool that allows users to hide data within image and audio files. It supports encryption and compression options for secure hiding of data.

5. OpenPuff
OpenPuff is a free steganography tool that supports hiding data within image, audio, and video files. It provides advanced encryption options to secure the hidden data.

6. DeepSound
DeepSound is a steganography tool that allows users to hide messages within audio files. It supports various audio formats and provides encryption options for secure hiding of data.

7. OutGuess
OutGuess is a steganography tool that can hide data within image files. It provides advanced encryption options and supports various image formats.

8. StegoStick
StegoStick is a steganography tool that allows users to hide encrypted messages within image files. It provides a simple and user-friendly interface for easy hiding of data.

9. Xiao Steganography
Xiao Steganography is a free steganography tool that allows users to hide messages within image and audio files. It supports encryption options and provides a simple interface for easy hiding of data.

10. Cloakfish
Cloakfish is a steganography tool that supports hiding data within image files. It provides encryption options and password protection for secure hiding of data.

11. JPHide
JPHide is a steganography tool that allows users to hide data within image files. It provides encryption options and supports various image formats.

12. Steganography Studio
Steganography Studio is a free steganography tool that supports hiding data within image, audio, and video files. It provides encryption options and a user-friendly interface for easy hiding of data.

In conclusion, there are several free and open source steganography tools available that allow users to hide data within image, audio, and video files. These tools provide encryption options and password protection to secure the hidden data. Whether you are looking to covertly communicate a message or secure sensitive information, these steganography tools can help you achieve your goals.