Image Encryption via Base-n PRNGs and Parallel Base-n S-boxes

Abstract The fast-paced advancement in multimedia production and exchanges over unsecured networks have led to a dire need to develop security applications. In this regard, chaos theory has much to offer, especially high-dimensional (HD) chaotic functions of fractional order. The authors propose a new secure and robust image encryption method in this research work. In this method, the authors hybridize the Chen and Chua chaotic functions with a memristor circuit to benefit from the strengths of each. Such a hybridization of systems allows for the generation of pseudo-random numbers which are used to develop encryption keys and substitution boxes (S-boxes). The generated encryption keys are utilized with different logical and arithmetic operations, carrying out data diffusion. Multiple S-boxes of varying base-n are generated and utilized in a parallel fashion, carrying out data confusion. The computed numerical results reflect the superior capabilities of the proposed image encryption technique, signifying resilience and robustness against various attacks.