A novel multi-dimensional multiple image encryption technique

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel secure and fast multiple image encryption technique to encrypt multiple images of arbitrary sizes. In the proposed technique, a group of images is divided into non-overlapping blocks of size 2 × 2 pixels. For odd numbered image size, separate 2 × 2 sized blocks are formed from the last row and/or column pixels. The generated blocks and the remaining pixels (if any) are then arranged in separate arrays. Finally, the array of blocks and remaining pixels are separately permuted and diffused using different piece-wise linear chaotic map (PWLCM) systems. The significance of this algorithm is the use of arbitrary sized multiple images to perform multiple image encryptions. Another significance of this algorithm is the use of only PWLCM systems in permutation and diffusion operations to make the algorithm secure and efficient in both software and hardware platforms. The computer simulation reveals the good encryption results of the proposed cryptosystem. The security analysis shows that the proposed method performs better against widely known security attacks.