Image encryption algorithm based on improved Zigzag transformation and quaternary DNA coding

Abstract

Image security becomes increasingly critical as the multimedia technology and Internet of things evolve rapidly. To ensure image security and improve the efficiency of image encryption, a novel image encryption algorithm is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a novel one-dimensional hybrid chaotic map is proposed and employed to obtain the chaotic sequences to be used in the permutation and diffusion processes. Secondly, an improved Zigzag transformation is employed to permute the plain image. Thirdly, the dynamic quaternary DNA coding and operations are used to diffuse the permuted image. In the diffusion process, the DNA encoded image is permuted using the index sequence to further enhance the permutation effect. Finally, a look-up table method is proposed to quickly obtain the DNA operation results. The experimental results and the security analyses illustrate that the proposed algorithm has an excellent performance in terms of encryption effect, key space, key sensitivity, statistical performance, differential attack, encryption quality, robustness, execution time and computational complexity. Therefore, the proposed algorithm can be applied to some fields with high confidentiality requirements, such as military, commercial and medical fields.