SecureVision: An Open-Source User-Customizable Image Encryption Program

Mehrdad Shahmohammadi Beni,Hiroshi Watabe,Kwan Ngok Yu

doi:10.3390/app11177915

Mehrdad Shahmohammadi Beni, Hiroshi Watabe + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/app11177915

Copy DOI

Journal: Applied Sciences	Publication Date: Aug 27, 2021
Citations: 1	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Tohoku University, City University of Hong Kong

Abstract

Data security has become indispensable, with a view to keep sensitive information confidential. One important method is through image encryption, upon which features in an image would no longer be visible. The original image with its features could only be restored upon decryption using a set of keys. There are prestigious works in the literature regarding image encryption. However, there is a lack of easy-to-use, GUI-based, user-customizable computer programs for image encryption. In the present work, we developed a GUI-based image encryption and decryption program with server file transfer support, namely, SecureVision. A custom-made random number generator using the equation of an ellipse was developed to randomly shuffle the pixel positions. SecureVision was found to be robust, user-friendly and fast in both encryption and decryption. The program was highly sensitive to the supplied keys, which prevented brute-force attacks. SecureVision provided full user control, where users could modify the program modules to match their desired applications, which was particularly desirable for pedagogical purposes in that interested parties had the freedom to explore the concept of image encryption and decryption. SecureVision is distributed under a GPLv3 license, which would allow everyone to use, modify and distribute the program without any restriction.

Highlights

Data security and protection have become indispensable, with a view to keep sensitive and personal information confidential
We developed an open-source image encryption program named
The developed graphical user interface (GUI) allows users to interact with the program and transfer data through a secured shell connection to a designated server

Summary

Introduction

Data security and protection have become indispensable, with a view to keep sensitive and personal information confidential. The encrypted data could be decrypted to view the plaintext (i.e., original contents) by an authorized user Through this concept, one can encrypt images to protect their contents. An image encryption algorithm using Arnold transform coupled with random strategies was proposed [16]. Liang et al [22] used the elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) to develop a public key image encryption method, which was shown to be highly secured against statistical analysis attacks. In another recent study [23], an improved AES algorithm based on the use of synchronized dynamic keys was introduced.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion