Proposed hybrid encryption framework for robust 3D image communication over wireless channels

Abstract

ObjectiveDifferent cryptosystems have been presented to protect images, videos, and data against several types of attacks. These cryptosystems use small and medium keys with small and medium spaces, which limit the overall security. In this paper, a novel hybrid encryption framework depending on the Rubik’s cube technique is introduced to merge the results of different encryption algorithms. Methods: The suggested hybrid encryption framework begins with chaotic Baker map encryption with Cipher Feed-Back (CFB) mode which belongs to the permutation family, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Ron's Code (RC6) in a first stage for encrypting multiple images, separately. Then, in the second stage, the resulting images are randomized again with Rubik’s cube technique. Chaotic, RC6 or AES encrypted images are utilized on the Rubik’s cube faces. The utilization of chaotic encryption, AES, RC6, and Rubik’s cube technique introduces encrypted images with both permutation and diffusion. The images after the encryption process are further transmitted through a wireless communication channel with different versions of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM). Decryption is performed at the receiver side. The quality of the decrypted images at the receiver side reveals good encryption and decryption performance, especially when comparing with classical algorithms. ResultsThe simulation results show that the suggested hybrid encryption framework presents high security and robustness.