A Novel Image Encryption Algorithm Based on Multiple Random DNA Coding and Annealing

• Published in: Electronics (Basel) Vol. 12; no. 3; p. 501
• Main Authors: Zhang, Tianshuo, Zhu, Bingbing, Ma, Yiqun, Zhou, Xiaoyi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.02.2023
• Subjects: Algorithms; Data encryption; Data security; DNA; Encryption; Entropy (Information theory); Image processing; Mathematical optimization; Methods; Optimization; Optimization algorithms; Parameters; Pixels; Randomness; Security; Simulated annealing; China
• ISSN: 2079-9292; 2079-9292
• DOI: 10.3390/electronics12030501

Improved encryption devices place higher demands on the randomness and security of encrypted images. Existing image encryption optimization methods based on single- or multi-objectives concentrate on selecting keys and parameters, resulting in relatively fixed parameters and keys that are susceptible to leakage and cracking. Despite the possibility of increasing security, the DNA coding encryption method does not fully take into account the large capacity of image data and the difference between pixels, resulting in a limited level of randomness. To overcome the problems above, this paper proposes a method for generating complex texture features in images using random variation of pixels. With an annealing algorithm that can find an optimal solution in a large search space, the image is optimally optimized in terms of information entropy, pixel correlation, and value of x2. Each iteration involves selecting one of 25632 combinations of DNA coding and operation. In comparison with current encryption algorithms based on optimization algorithms and DNA coding, this method is more secure and unbreakable.