Image Encryption Research Articles

A novel visually meaningful image encryption algorithm using two-way intertwine scrambling and deep embedding

Abstract Due to the insufficient visual security of encrypted images generated by conventional image encryption algorithms, it is easily recognized and decrypted or attacked by attackers in public channels. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a visually meaningful image encryption (VMIE) method based on a new chaotic map to improve the encryption complexity and unpredictability. Moreover, we design a two-way intertwine scrambling and deep embedding algorithm to protect the content of the image, and the encrypted image also has visual security. Firstly, a new one-dimensional chaotic map combining sine and tangent functions is designed to construct the measurement matrix, and then a new two-way intertwine scrambling algorithm is used to scramble the sparse matrix of the encrypted image. Secondly, the chaotic system generates measurement matrix and diffusion matrix for compressing and diffusing the scrambled image. Finally, a new embedding strategy is adopted to retain more information of the plain image and reduce information loss. The experimental results show that the average PSNR of the encrypted image is 38.96dB and that of the decrypted image is 34.59dB. Compared with the existing schemes, this algorithm has better visual quality and reconstruction quality.

GANs for Image Security Applications: A Literature Review

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) have earned significant attention in various domains due to their generative model’s compelling ability to generate realistic examples probably drawn from sample distribution. Image security indicates the process of protecting digital images from unauthorized access, modification, or distribution. This requires a guarantee of image privacy, integrity, and authenticity to prohibit them from being exploited by malicious attacks. GANs can also be utilized for improving image security by exploiting its generation ability in encryption, steganography, and privacy-preserving tech-niques. This paper reviews GANs-based image security techniques providing a systematic overview of current literature and comparing the role of GANs in image encryption, image steganography, and priva-cy preserving from multiple dimensions. Additionally, it outlines future research directions to further explore the potential of GANs in addressing privacy and image security concerns

Vulnerability Detection and Improvements of an Image Cryptosystem for Real-Time Visual Protection

Chaos-based cryptosystems are regarded as highly secure techniques for image encryption. However, despite the considerable enhancement of encryption robustness provided by chaotic systems, security vulnerabilities may still arise, potentially leading to drastic damage in contexts involving sensitive data such as medical or military images. Identifying these vulnerabilities and developing corresponding countermeasures are essential to prevent security breaches and achieve higher protection. From this perspective, this research thoroughly examines the security of an image encryption scheme based on the 1D sine-powered chaotic map. This analysis identifies vulnerabilities within the scheme that can reduce it to a permutation-only scheme. Exploiting the found vulnerabilities, three distinct cryptanalysis attacks are proposed in this work. These attacks enable unauthorized individuals to replicate the encryption and decryption processes without possessing the secret key, posing significant security risks. Under ciphertext-only attack, chosen-plaintext attack, and chosen-ciphertext attack conditions, the proposed attacks demonstrate their effectiveness through simulation and experimentation. Notably, the results indicate that these attacks can be executed within seconds and using only a few special plaintext or ciphertext images. An improved version of the analyzed scheme is introduced to address the identified vulnerabilities and enhance its security and speed.

A novel asymmetric encryption framework based on a 2D hyperchaotic map and enhanced S-box for secure medical image transmission

Abstract Recently, the advent of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has effectively alleviated the problem of difficulty in accessing medical services. However, during telemedicine, various medical images containing sensitive private information are exposed in communication channels. Therefore, there is an immediate need for an effective encryption method to ensure the secure transmission of medical images. In this paper, an image encryption algorithm is proposed based on a new chaotic model and an enhanced S-box. Furthermore, the proposed encryption algorithm is applied within a novel asymmetric image encryption framework. Firstly, to address the problems of narrow chaotic intervals and uneven trajectory distribution present in some existing chaotic maps, a two-dimensional cross-sine-modular model (2D-CSMM) is constructed. Secondly, in conjunction with the DNA algorithm, an enhanced S-box is proposed. Finally, in order to effectively protect key transmission as well as to enhance the system's resistance against chosen plaintext attacks, a novel asymmetric image encryption framework is designed by integrating the Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH), Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) and SHA-256 functions. And the secret key is computed from the cipher key, the shared key, and the native key associated with the plain image. Comprehensive experimental results demonstrate the high efficiency and the resilience of this new algorithm against common attacks.

Satellite image encryption using amalgamation of randomized three chaotic maps and DNA encoding

Abstract Image encryption is essential for securing sensitive visual data, protecting privacy, and making certain that only authorized users are able to access the required content. It prevents unauthorized access, tampering, and misuse of images, which is crucial for confidential and secure communications. In fields like healthcare, military, satellite communication, and financial services, encrypted images safeguard against data breaches and cyber threats. As digital images are easily shared and stored, encryption contributes to the integrity maintenance, and privacy of visual data. Motivated by these requirements, we have developed a satellite image encryption scheme that employs a novel 1-D Cosine Sinusoidal Chaotic (1DCSC) map, and two earlier proposed Sine-Tangent Chaotic (STC) and Improved Cosine Fractional Chaotic (ICFCM) maps, in conjunction with Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) operations. The proposed scheme encrypts a given satellite image in four steps. In the initial step, three keys (K1, K2, and K3) are created utilizing a 384-bit shared key and a 128-bit initial vector. In step two, three different chaotic sequences are produced using 1DCSC, STC, and ICFCM maps, which are chosen randomly to encrypt three red, blue or green different components of the given input image. In step three, these three chaotic sequences and the three components of the input image are DNA encoded. In the final step, the green, red, and blue cipher images are created by employing the DNA XOR based diffusion operation between the color components of the DNA-encoded image and DNA encoded chaotic sequences. The proposed scheme obtains entropy value 7.9997, Unified Average Changing Intensity (UACI) value 33.32, and Number of Pixels Change Rate (NPCR) value 99.67.

A Novel Multi-Channel Image Encryption Algorithm Leveraging Pixel Reorganization and Hyperchaotic Maps

A Novel Multi-Channel Image Encryption Algorithm Leveraging Pixel Reorganization and Hyperchaotic Maps

Six-scroll chaos within the dynamics of the Thomas chaotic system and application to biomedical data encryption

Abstract In this paper, the influence of non-monotonic nonlinearity within the dynamics of the Thomas model
is studied. The system presents various six-scroll chaos over a wide range of parameter values through indepth analysis using conventional nonlinear analysis tools. The new model also reveals multistability with
an elegant configuration of up to nine periodic states. An electronic analog version of the model is designed
and then simulated using PSPICE software to verify the physical implementation of the model. A novel
biomedical image encryption scheme based on the six-scroll chaos system, Arnold transform and diffusion
operation is proposed and its security is analyzed using statistical testing and key space analysis. The results
demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system in providing secure and efficient encryption of digital
images.

Unveiling the self-healing potential of Bessel–Gauss beams in image encryption

Over the past 30 years, Bessel beams have captivated researchers due to their remarkable properties, viz., diffraction-free and self-healing intensity distribution and the associated orbital angular momentum owing to the helical wavefront. These special characteristics have motivated us in developing an optical cryptosystem that leverages their unique features. Therefore, this study demonstrates an image encryption scheme through the utilization of a spatially concatenated array of Bessel beams enabling high-dimensional encoding. The study explores the robustness of the scheme by intentionally obstructing the plaintext information. Thanks to the self-reconstruction of Bessel beams, the obstructed data can still be retrieved, demonstrating the scheme’s resilience in adverse conditions.

Differential sensing approaches for scattering-based holographic encryption

Abstract We develop a new scattering-based framework for the holographic encryption of analog and digital signals. The proposed methodology, termed ‘differential sensing’, involves encryption of a wavefield image by means of two hard-to-guess, complex and random scattering media, namely, a background and a total (background plus scatterer) medium. Unlike prior developments in this area, not one but two scattering media are adopted for scrambling of the probing wavefields (as encoded, e.g. in a suitable ciphertext hologram) and, consequently, this method offers enhanced security. In addition, while prior works have addressed methods based on physical imaging in the encryption phase followed by computational imaging in the decryption stage, we examine the complementary modality wherein encryption is done computationally while decryption is done analogically, i.e. via the materialization of the required physical imaging system comprising the ciphertext hologram and the two unique (background and total) media. The practical feasibility of the proposed differential sensing approach is examined with the help of computer simulations incorporating multiple scattering. The advantages of this method relative to the conventional single-medium approach are discussed for both analog and digital signals. The paper also develops algorithms for the required in situ holography as well as a new wavefield-nulling-based approach for scattering-based encryption with envisioned applications in real-time customer validation and secure communication.

UCFA‐Net: A U‐shaped cross‐fusion network with attention mechanism for enhanced polyp segmentation

AbstractEnhancing the precision of computer‐assisted polyp segmentation and delineation during colonoscopies assists in the removal of potentially precancerous tissue, thus reducing the risk of malignant transformation. Most of the current medical segmentation models use the traditional U‐shaped network structure, but they suffer from the problem of information loss during the encoding and decoding of images. To advance towards an autonomous model for detailed polyp segmentation, the authors propose a new framework for polyp segmentation called U‐shaped cross‐fusion network with attention mechanism (UCFA‐Net), which employs a pyramid vision transformer as encoder to extract image features at multiple scales. Furthermore, the multi‐scale cross‐fusion module cross‐fuses the different scale features and then goes through the multi‐scale convolutional parallel feedforward transformer module for modelling the global and local information. Finally, progressive attentional up‐sampling module acts as a decoder for up‐sampling with progressive attention to get the final polyp segmentation result. The authors comprehensive testing demonstrates that their network achieves superior average scores across the five datasets and exhibits greater robustness in the face of diverse and demanding scenarios, when compared to current state‐of‐the‐art approaches.

A LE-controlled 4D non-degenerate hyperchaotic system and STP-CS model based efficient image encryption algorithm

Abstract Restricted by the environment and hardware equipment resources, existing chaotic systems have shortcomings such as low complexity, low randomness, and chaotic degradation phenomena, which in turn cause the security risks of chaotic image encryption algorithms. To overcome these issues, this paper proposes a method for the construction of a LE-controlled four-dimensional (4D) non-degenerate discrete chaotic system. Numerical analysis has demonstrated that the developed system possess high complexity and unpredictability. Based on the developed chaotic system, an image compression encryption algorithm is proposed. Wherein, semi-tensor product compressed sensing is applied to allow data compression sampling in different dimensions resulting in reducing the data transfer load and storage cost. Subsequently, the positions and values of the image pixels are secretly altered during the algorithmic encryption process using two-dimensional cat confusion and finite field diffusion. The simulation results show that the proposed encryption algorithm effective enough to offer great encryption quality. The performance comparison analysis indicates that the proposed encryption algorithm has good furnishes better security, compression, as well as resistance to diverse data attacks.

Design a chaotic circuit using tunable and power efficient memristor emulator circuit for image encryption

Abstract In a non-linear dynamic system, chaos is a deterministic phenomenon that arises when the state vector trajectories become highly sensitive to the initial conditions, given certain criteria and periodic. The memristor, being the fourth essential component of a two-terminal device, has the potential to overcome the barrier for secure communication against eavesdroppers and manufacturing of duplicate chaotic transrecivers by the untrusted foundaries.It can close a gap among secure manufacturing and reliable communication because its resistance can be programmed by the designer not by the foundary. This property makes the communication system more efficient, reliable secure, and provides more security. In this study, the memristor and analog design of a chaotic transreviver is designed. The memristor model is designed using a Current mirror operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) and an analog multiplier with sinusoidal input having amplitude (V_m) and input frequency (f). Variations in input frequency, and amplitude have an impact on conductance and resistance state and the OTA parameter g_m Also affects the V-I response. The research focuses on memristor tunability with a variation of the hysteresis curve using factors such as temperature, amplitude, load resistance, frequency, and incremental and decremental behavior and secure communication using a Chaotic circuit using memristor. The maximum operational frequency that exhibits a pintch hystresis curve is 100 kilohertz, and a power dissipation of 3.1 µW with noise 56nV/Hz^(1/2). The results also show the chaotic system are sensitive with their secret key or starting conditions of integrator which is uses for the encryption approach.

Hardware Area Efficient and Real-Time FPGA Implementation of PHMMRGB.

For encryption applications on embedded systems, operating in real-time while using minimal system resources is essential. It is expected that efficient and rapid encryption of high-resolution images is to be accomplished with limited hardware resources. Therefore, to ensure the desired efficiency of encryption of high-resolution images, the system must possess a digital architecture capable of achieving high speeds with minimal hardware resources. This study considered the limitations of a hardware architecture for an image encryption algorithm based on the Profile Hidden Markov Model called PHMMRGB. The proposed architecture is relatively simple in comparison to its alternatives. The hardware architecture, designed with the objective of using minimal resources, has been implemented on an FPGA. Based on the results of the proposed architecture, it is believed that the implementation of the specified method on an FPGA would yield high efficiency. Experiments conducted using large-sized satellite images confirmed this expectation.

Computational Imaging Encryption with Steganography and Lanthanide Luminescent Materials

AbstractOptical encryption is a potential scheme for information security that exploits abundant degrees of freedom of light to encode information. However, conventional encryption based on fluorescent materials faces challenges in handling complex secret information. Alternatively, single‐pixel imaging (SPI) provides a computational modality to solve these problems. In this study, a high‐capacity fluorescence encryption scheme, achieved by introducing lanthanide materials and steganography into the encoding and decoding processes of SPI is proposed. Two types of well‐designed lanthanide luminescent materials are utilized and excited to generate fluorescence images (fluo‐images), which are crucial in this scheme. Various practical experiments using fluo‐images as secret keys demonstrate the robustness, effectiveness, and repeatability of this scheme. Furthermore, multi‐image experiments indicate the potential of this method to increase secret information capacity. Thus, the proposed fluorescence encryption scheme does provide an efficient computational encryption strategy based on lanthanide luminescent materials for information security, which can improve the security of traditional optical encryption and simultaneously enhance the flexibility of SPI computational decryption.

QMedShield: a novel quantum chaos-based image encryption scheme for secure medical image storage in the cloud

In the age of digital technology, medical images play an important role in the healthcare industry, which aids surgeons in making precise decisions and reducing the diagnosis time. However, the storage of large amounts of these images in third-party cloud services raises privacy and security concerns. There are a lot of classical security mechanisms to protect them. Although, the advent of quantum computing entails the development of quantum-based encryption models for healthcare. There is a significant demand for resource-efficient, quantum-secure image encryption mechanisms that leverage existing classical infrastructure. Hence, in this paper, a novel quantum chaos-based encryption scheme for medical images has been introduced. The model utilizes bit-plane scrambling, a 3D quantum logistic map, quantum operations in the diffusion phase, a hybrid chaotic map, and DNA encoding in the confusion phase to transform the plain medical image into a cipher medical image. The proposed scheme has been evaluated using multiple statistical analyses and validated against more attacks such as differential attacks, known and chosen plaintext attacks with three different medical datasets, and theoretically, as well. Hence, the introduced encryption model has proved to be more attack-resistant and robust than other existing image encryption schemes, ensuring the secure storage of medical images in cloud environments.

Reversible data hiding in encrypted images based on Lasso regression predictor and dynamic secret sharing

Reversible data hiding in encrypted images based on Lasso regression predictor and dynamic secret sharing

Dynamic Scattering‐Channel‐Based Approach for Multiuser Image Encryption

AbstractConventional scattering‐based encryption systems that operate based on a static complex medium which is used by all users are vulnerable to learning‐based attacks that exploit ciphertext‐plaintext pairs to model and reverse‐engineer the scattering medium's response, enabling unauthorized decryption without the physical medium. In this contribution, a new dynamic scattering‐channel‐based technique for multiuser image encryption is developed. The established approach employs variable, dynamic scattering media which are modeled as tunable aggregates of multiple scattering nanoparticles. The proposed system supports multiple users by allowing distinct combinations of scattering matrices for different time blocks, each combined with user‐specific complex‐valued coefficients, enabling the creation of unique, hard‐to‐guess encryption keys for each user. The derived methodology enhances the practical feasibility of multiuser secure communication and storage channels employing scattering media as the encryption mechanism.

Single inertial neuron with forced bipolar pulse: chaotic dynamics, circuit implementation, and color image encryption

Abstract The bipolar pulse current can effectively mimic the external time-varying stimulus of neurons, and its effect of neuronal dynamics has rarely been reported. To this end, this paper reports the effects of bipolar pulses on a two-dimensional single inertial neuron model, showcasing the chaotic dynamics of hidden attractors and coexisting symmetric attractors, which is of significant importance for understanding the complex behaviors of neuron dynamics under time-varying external stimuli and its application. Firstly, the mathematical model of the single intertial neuron model with forced bipolar pulse is presented, and then the equilibrium states behaving as unstable saddle point (USP), stable node-focus (SNF), and stable node point (SNP) are analyzed. Additionally, by using multiple dynamical methods including bifurcation plots, basins of attraction, and phase plots, complex dynamics of interesting bifurcation behaviors and coexisting attractors are revealed, which are induced by the forced bipolar pulse current as well as initial values, both. In addition, such effets are well valideted via a simple multiplerless electronic neuron circuit. The implementation circuit of presented model is constructed on the analog level and executed using PSIM circuit platform. The measurement results verified the double-scroll chaotic attractors and the coexisting period/chaos behaviors. Finally, the chaotic sequences of the model are applied to color image encryption for the benefit of requirements on modern security field. The encryption effectiveness is demonstrated through various evaluation indexes, including histogram analysis, information entropy, correlation coefficient, plaintext sensitivity, and resistance to noise attacks.

N-dimensional non-degenerate chaos based on singular value estimation with application in dynamic DNA image encryption

N-dimensional non-degenerate chaos based on singular value estimation with application in dynamic DNA image encryption

Modified bernoulli map-based scramble and s-box supported colour image encryption

Modified bernoulli map-based scramble and s-box supported colour image encryption