1. A method for providing self-authentication for an image file of JPEG image data, the image file of JPEG image data having a first section and a second section, the first section containing a predetermined number of blocks of transformed coefficients and the second section containing a predetermined number of blocks of transformed coefficients and a least significant transmitted bit-plane block, comprising: (a) producing a hashing function from the JPEG image data located in the first section of the image file of JPEG image data; (b) producing a first integrity checking number from the hashing function; (c) encrypting the first integrity checking number into a signature string; (d) embedding the signature string into a the least significant transmitted bit-plane block of the second section of the image file of JPEG image data; and (e) combining the sections of the image file of JPEG image data to create a self-authenticating image file of JPEG image data.