Secure Image Encryption via Image-Dependent Key Generation and High-Dimensional Chaos

Images sent through systems of healthcare, surveillance, and defence and smart infrastructure must be encrypted with strength. Conventional cryptography algorithms are computationally complex and do not match the image properties. Most of the chaos-based encryption systems use fixed keys and this makes them less adaptive and prone to attacks. In this paper, a secure image encryption scheme that combines image-dependent key generation and high dimensional chaotic dynamics is proposed. The technique attaches image content to encryption keys based on the extraction of features, whereby each input should have a unique key. Chaotic generators of high dimension generate high-entropy keystreams, which are more difficult to confuse and mix. Experimental results indicate almost perfect entropy rate, great NPCR/UACI rates and the ability to resist noise and cropping attacks but still be computationally efficient to apply in real-time.