Perceptual video encryption scheme for mobile application based on H.264

Abstract Security video communication is a challenging task, especially for wireless video applications. A perceptual video encryption scheme is proposed based on exploiting the special feature of entropy coding in H.264. The encryption scheme is compose of coded block pattern permutation, sign of trailing ones scrambling and levels of nonzero coefficients encryption. The important syntax elements and sensitive coded elements are chosen to encrypt using mathematical operations, permutation and stream ciphers. Experimental results show that the proposed perceptual scheme can achieve high security at a relatively low compression ratio and bandwidth cost, as well as rather low complexity and time cost, so it is suitable for security multimedia services for mobile device and wireless application.