Abstract
In this paper, we present a cloud image data protection algorithm with a multilevel encryption scheme and automated-selection mechanism to maintain the privacy of cloud data contents. This algorithm is also useful for the protection of personal or commercial data uploaded to the cloud server for real-time applications, monitoring, and transmission. Fundamental and well-known in cryptography, the confusion–diffusion scheme, as well as an automated-selection mechanism (sliding pixel window) were selected as the main motor of the proposed algorithm to cipher images. First, a sliding pixel window is selected to expedite a two-stepped process, whether in small or big images. The confusion stage was designed to drastically change data from plain image to cipher image. The conversion of pixels from decimal to binary and their vertical and horizontal relocation were performed to help in this stage, not only by randomly moving bits, but also by changing the pixel values when they returned to their corresponding decimal values. Meanwhile, the diffusion stage was designed to destroy all possible existing patterns in the sliding pixel window after the confusion stage. Two hyperchaotic systems, together with a logistic map (multilevel scheme), produce pseudorandom numbers to separately conceal the original data of each subplain image through first- and second-level encryption processes. The two-stepped algorithm was designed to be easily implemented by practitioners. Furthermore, the experimental analysis demonstrates the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed encryption algorithm after being tested using the benchmark “Lena” image, as well as the “Bruce Lee” image, the latter of which is completely different to the first one, statistically speaking.
Highlights
Nowadays, in an online environment where tons of personal data are shared and instantaneously stored in servers or clouds that are distributed all over the globe, it is very difficult for people to maintain control over sensitive information when necessary
An image data protection algorithm based on a multilevel encryption scheme and automated-selection mechanism was developed to further protect personal and commercial data uploaded to cloud servers for real-time applications, monitoring, and transmission
The main contributions of this paper are summarized as follows: (1) The automated-selection mechanism is crucial for the proposed scheme
Summary
In an online environment where tons of personal data are shared and instantaneously stored in servers or clouds that are distributed all over the globe, it is very difficult for people to maintain control over sensitive information when necessary. We refer to different types of information, such as emails, photos, videos, and audio that are an essential part of our lives. Sci. 2019, 9, 5146 take care of our data, they can be accessed, stolen, altered, or copied by alien entities in seconds, without our consent. Data protection has become important to every member of society. Large companies have been caught up in the conflict due to server data leakages that exposes all of a user’s stored information
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
