Color image encryption using one-time keys and coupled chaotic systems

• A color image encryption scheme based on coupled chaotic systems.
• The one-time keys are generated by both the initial keys and the hash value of the plain image.
• Randomly select three state variables to encrypt one pixel.

This paper proposes a color image encryption scheme using one-time keys based on coupled chaotic systems. The key stream has both the key sensitivity and the plaintext sensitivity. The Secure Hash Algorithm 3 (SHA-3) is employed to combine with the initial keys to generate the new keys, to make the key stream change in each encryption process. Firstly, the SHA-3 hash value of the plain image is employed to generate six initial values of the chaotic systems. Secondly, combine and permute the six state variables, and randomly select three state variables from them, to encrypt the red, green and blue components, respectively. Experimental results and security analysis show that the scheme can achieve good encryption result through only one round encryption process, the key space is large enough to resist against common attacks, so the scheme is reliable to be applied in image encryption and secure communication.