Maze based image encryption method constructed by random number generation

Abstract

Due to the large size of image files and the high correlation between the numerical values of the pixels, various improved algorithms have been used for image encryption in recent years. In most cases improvement is obtained by taking into account the characteristics of chaotic and random processes in encryption algorithms. In this study, an algorithm is proposed that encrypts images based on a maze created by keys consisting of random numbers generated with Feigembaum’s quadratic function. For the generation of the maze, deep first search (DFS) algorithm has been used. During the generation with this algorithm, numbers representing the walking paths and as well as the length of the used stack are included in the encryption process. Algorithm security verification was carried out according to key space and differential analysis, statistical analysis such as entropy estimation, and analysis of correlation between the histogram and neighboring pixels of the image.