A fast color image encryption algorithm based on coupled two-dimensional piecewise chaotic map

In recent years, a variety of chaos-based image cryptosystems have been proposed. Owing to the exceptionally desirable properties of mixing and sensitivity to initial conditions and parameters of chaotic maps, chaos-based encryption has suggested a new and efficient way to deal with the intractable problem of fast and highly secure image encryption. This paper proposes a novel chaos-based image encryption algorithm to encrypt color images by using a Coupled Two-dimensional Piecewise Nonlinear Chaotic Map, called CTPNCM, and a masking process. Distinct characteristics of the algorithm are high security, high sensitivity, and high speed that can be applied in encryption of color images. In order to generate the initial conditions and parameters of the CTPNCM, 256-bit long external secret key is used. Computer simulations confirm that the new algorithm has high security and is very fast for practical image encryption. It is demonstrated that the number of pixel change rate (NPCR), the unified average changing intensity (UACI), and entropy can satisfy security and performance requirements (NPCR>0.99672, UACI>0.334904, Entropy>7.99921). Experimental results reveal the fact that the proposed algorithm yields better security performance in comparison to the results obtained from other algorithms.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We propose a fast color image encryption algorithm based on piecewise chaotic maps. ► There are three cascaded single stages in this kind of image cryptosystem. ► Brilliant characteristics of algorithm are high security, sensitivity, and speed. ► Results show that satisfactory performance is achieved in our proposed algorithm.