Enhancing chaos in multistability regions of Duffing map for an image encryption algorithm

Abstract

This paper investigates and analyzes the dynamics of the two-dimensional Duffing map. Multistability behavior has been observed from the system numerically. Such behavior, especially the coexistence of chaotic and periodic attractors, is undesirable in the applications of chaos-based cryptography. Therefore, we design and implement a Sine–Cosine chaotification technique to enhance chaos in the multi-stable regions. Furthermore, this paper proposes a new image encryption algorithm to examine the performance of the generalized Duffing map in cryptography applications. Simulation results and security analysis reveal that the proposed algorithm can effectively encrypt and decrypt several image types with a high level of security.