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Image encryption is essential for protecting sensitive visual data during transmission and storage. This article introduces a novel image encryption technique that utilizes three hyperchaotic systems: a memristor system, a hyperchaotic 7D system, and an Erbium-doped fiber laser-based system. The algorithm takes advantage of the complex dynamics and random-like behavior of these systems to implement a robust three-layer encryption process. In each layer, a pseudo-random number generator is used to construct an S-box and an encryption key, which are subsequently applied to the image data. The proposed encryption scheme is implemented in software using Wolfram Mathematica® version 13.1 and in hardware using an AMD Virtex-7 FPGA VC707, achieving encryption rates of 9.7 Mbps and 0.67 Gbps, respectively. Experimental results demonstrate the scheme’s effectiveness in terms of encryption quality, resistance to various cryptanalysis attacks, and a high computational efficiency. The proposed method shows significant potential for secure image transmission and storage applications.

This article presents a novel 2-layer image encryption cryptosystem and transmission protocol designed for secure communication of military reconnaissance images over unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-assisted relaying networks. The proposed scheme aims to address the growing need for robust, secure, and efficient transmission of sensitive imagery data across wireless ad-hoc networks, often characterized by unpredictable and hostile environments. The first layer of the proposed cryptosystem employs a Genetic Algorithm (GA) utilizing a Mersenne Twister (MT) key, providing a robust framework for initial image encryption. The second layer further leverages security by employing DNA coding, that is also driven by a MT key. The encrypted images are subsequently transformed into a one-dimensional bit-stream, ready for transmission. The bit-stream is then channel coded using either a convolutional code or a low-density parity-check (LDPC) code, offering flexibility based on the specific network conditions and requirements. The coded data is then BPSK-modulated and transmitted over a multi-hop wireless relay network, with relays mounted on freely-moving UAVs. This scheme optimizes for both security and transmission efficiency, critical for the time-sensitive and mission-critical nature of military operations. Extensive performance evaluation is carried out, presenting bit error rate (BER) curves and various image encryption metrics, demonstrating the robustness, reliability, and security of the proposed scheme. This contribution is expected to significantly enhance the secure communication of military reconnaissance images, paving the way for more advanced, secure, and efficient communication systems in the military sector.

This work proposes a novel image encryption algorithm that integrates unique image transformation techniques with the principles of chaotic and hyper-chaotic systems. By harnessing the unpredictable behavior of the Chua system and the hyper-chaotic nature of the Chen system, the algorithm carries out rescaling, rotation, and randomization on the target image. The intrinsic unpredictability and sensitivity to initial conditions of these chaotic systems endow the encryption algorithm with an expansive key space of 25208. This feature not only bolsters its resilience against brute-force attacks but also magnifies its overall security profile. The algorithm’s efficiency is evident in its rapid computational speed and lean resource consumption, making it suitable for real-time applications. To gauge its robustness, a battery of rigorous tests and analyses, spanning differential attacks, statistical attacks, and brute-force assaults, were employed. The results validate its ability to resist a diverse spectrum of threats. With its expansive key space, exceptional efficiency, and sturdy defenses, the proposed algorithm emerges as a potential cornerstone for safeguarding digital images in arenas like secure communication, data storage, and multimedia transmission. In sum, this research pushes the boundaries of high-security image encryption methodologies, catering to the burgeoning demands of the digital age.

With the proliferation of digital images over open networks, secure and efficient encryption schemes are imperative for safeguarding image privacy. This paper proposes a novel 5-stage image encryption algorithm adhering to Shannon’s confusion and diffusion paradigm. In the first stage, Langton’s Ant is employed to induce chaos and perturb the pixel distribution of the original image. The second and fourth stages apply Mersenne Twister generated keys to confuse the image via XOR operations. An S-box substitution is utilized in the third stage to disrupt pixel statistical properties. Finally, Arnold’s Cat map further scrambles and diffuses the pixel positions over the image. Extensive security analyses reveal the algorithm’s robustness against various attacks such as visual, entropy, brute-force, statistical and differential attacks. Additionally, it successfully passes the NIST SP 800–22 test suite. Performance results demonstrate the proposed algorithm’s efficacy for real-time secure image transmission with low computational overheads. The algorithm’s security level combined with high-speed performance makes it well-suited for practical image encryption applications.