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Enhancing image security through a fusion of chaotic map and multi-level scrambling techniques

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Abstract

To strengthen contemporary image encryption techniques and make them more secure, a new image encryption algorithm was proposed using a one-dimensional improved discrete cosine fractional chaotic map (1D-IDCF). To evaluate the randomness and ergodicity of the chaotic map, its behaviour was analysed through bifurcation diagram, Lyapunov exponent, NIST test, key sensitivity, and key space analysis. The results demonstrate that the proposed chaotic map has high unpredictability and a large Lyapunov exponent, which defines initial sensitivity. Additionally, an encryption algorithm was developed that involves pixel-level scrambling, binary bit-plane extraction, simultaneous confusion of bit planes, binary-to-gray conversion, and bit-XOR operations with a chaotic key matrix generated using the one-dimensional improved cosine fractional chaotic map (1D-IDCF). Experimental results based on various performance metrics, including information entropy, correlation coefficient, chi-square (\(\chi ^2\)) test, histogram variance, Number of Pixels Change Rate (NPCR), and Unified Average Changing Intensity (UACI), demonstrate that the proposed encryption scheme provides a significant level of unpredictability. Additionally, the proposed algorithm exhibits robustness against various attacks, including noise, data loss, and differential attacks. Furthermore, the low Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) (8.3615 dB) indicates good encryption capability and robustness against cryptographic attacks.

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Data availibility statement

No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Electronics Engineering, VIT-AP University, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, 522241, India

    Maram Kumar & Deepak. Ch

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  1. Maram Kumar
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Contributions

Maram Kumar, conceptualized the study, conducted the experiments, performed the analysis,wrote the original draft; Deepak. Ch, Conceptualization, supervision, validation, review and editing.

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Correspondence to Deepak. Ch.

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Kumar, M., Ch, D. Enhancing image security through a fusion of chaotic map and multi-level scrambling techniques. SIViP 19, 235 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11760-025-03814-4

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