An image encryption scheme using reverse 2-dimensional chaotic map and dependent diffusion

In recent years, a variety of chaos-based image cryptosystems have been studied. Most of them adopt the traditional confusion–diffusion architecture, which is considered insecure upon chosen/known plain-image attacks. In this paper, a nonlinear traverse on the plain-image using dependent diffusion and reverse cat map is proposed to replace the traditional linear traverse performed in the confusion phase. Two cryptosystems are designed and are implemented by software means. Simulation results and numerical analysis justify their high efficiency and sufficient strength.

► A nonlinear traverse to the plain-image using dependent diffusion and reverse chaotic map is proposed.
► The flaw of Fridrich architecture can be avoided in the proposed schemes.
► There is no clear separation between the confusion and the diffusion phases in dependent diffusion architecture.
► A new kind of mapping that from a pseudorandom position in plaintext to another one in cipher-text is defined.