A Multi-Faceted Encryption Strategy for Securing Patient Information in Medical Imaging

Abstract

In modern healthcare, transmitting digital medical images through open-source networks for diagnosis in remote centers poses a significant security challenge due to the sensitive patient information involved. This paper presents an algorithm designed to encrypt these crucial medical images comprehensively. The algorithm generates hash code to validate image integrity, followed by feature-based watermarking, transformation into the frequency domain via Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT), and encryption using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and RSA encryption techniques. Each step plays a pivotal role in fortifying the images against unauthorized access, tampering, or interception during transmission, Guaranteeing the secrecy, unaltered state, and legitimacy of the included medical information. Implementing this encryption algorithm mandates strict adherence to cryptographic best practices, robust execution of encryption algorithms, secure key management, and compliance with industry standards. These meticulous measures bolster the confidentiality and integrity of medical images, which are crucial in protecting patient privacy and maintaining data integrity within healthcare systems. This comprehensive encryption strategy addresses the need for the purpose of ensuring safe and protected delivery and protection of sensitive medical information across networks.