Image encryption using the Sudoku matrix

Abstract

This paper introduces a new effective and lossless image encryption algorithm using a Sudoku Matrix to scramble and encrypt the image. The new algorithm encrypts an image through a three stage process. In the first stage, a reference Sudoku matrix is generated as the foundation for the encryption and scrambling processes. The image pixels' intensities are then changed by using the reference Sudoku matrix values, and then the pixels' positions are shuffled using the Sudoku matrix as a mapping process. The advantages of this method is useful for efficiently encrypting a variety of digital images, such as binary images, gray images, and RGB images without any quality loss. The security keys of the presented algorithm are the combination of the parameters in a 1D chaotic logistic map, a parameter to control the size of Sudoku Matrix and the number of iteration times desired for scrambling. The possible security key space is extremely large. The principles of the presented scheme could be applied to provide security for a variety of systems including image, audio and video systems.