A new encryption algorithm for color images based on total chaotic shuffling scheme

Abstract This paper proposes a novel image encryption algorithm based on a quantum chaotic map, nearest-neighboring coupled-map lattices and permutation-diffusion architecture. First, a keystream generated by a quantum chaotic map is used to permute the pixels of the R, G and B components concurrently and make the three components affect one other. Next, the random circular shift operation was performed, resulting in permuted pixels to rearrange bits of each pixel. Finally, the new algorithm employs keystreams generated by the nearest-neighboring coupled-map lattices to diffuse the relationship between the cipher image and the plain image. To generate the initial conditions and parameters of the chaotic maps, a 128 bit long external secret key is used. The results of several experimental analyses on the randomness, sensitivity, and correlation of the cipher images show that the proposed algorithm has a high security level and high sensitivity and can be adopted for network security and secure communications.