Authenticated image encryption using robust chaotic maps and enhanced advanced encryption standard

Abstract

The ability of advanced encryption standard (AES) algorithm to protect information systems has given cryptography a new dimension. Recent encryption approaches to enhance randomness include the use of chaotic algorithms, which provide resistance to differential attacks. We have proposed the application of robust chaotic maps in the block cipher to design a secure authenticated encryption scheme to get advantages of both. The chaotic sequence is generated using hyperbolic tangent map and added to input image initially to increase randomness. The basic 256-bit AES key is generated using the robust Renyi modulo map. An additional 128-bit key enhances security. Instead of static values used in AES, dynamic initialization vector (IV), different for every image will be generated. The results are mathematically verified using various security parameters. The algorithm provides lower values of peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) (7.81 to 9.10 dB) for encrypted images and higher dissimilarities between input and encrypted image histograms. Thus, it is highly resistant to statistical attacks. The experimental results and their comparison prove the superiority of our proposed cryptosystem against statistical, differential and brute-force attacks. Thus, the novel multi-chaotic AES-GCM (galois/counter mode) algorithm can be used for color image encryption in military and industrial applications demanding high data security and authentication.