Securing digital images: A chaos-driven scrambling algorithm using the Rössler system.

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Cryptography
• Image Processing

Background:

• Digital image security is crucial, with scrambling algorithms widely used for pixel-level security.
• Existing methods often use 1D, 2D, or 3D constructs for pixel manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, secure, and efficient image scrambling algorithm.
• To enhance digital image protection against various cryptanalytic threats.

Main Methods:

• A novel row- and column-based scrambling technique is proposed.
• A diffusion process utilizes the 3D Rössler chaotic system for random number generation.
• The algorithm applies scrambling twice to rows and columns, followed by XOR diffusion.

Main Results:

• The proposed algorithm demonstrates high resistance to brute-force, differential, noise, and data cropping attacks.
• Machine simulations and security analyses validate the method's effectiveness.
• The developed image cipher offers significant security potential.

Conclusions:

• The novel scrambling and diffusion technique provides a robust solution for secure digital image encryption.
• The method is recommended for real-world applications requiring high image security.
• The 3D Rössler chaotic system effectively enhances both scrambling and diffusion processes.