An Image Encryption Algorithm Utilizing Julia Sets and Hilbert Curves

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 9; no. 1; p. e84655
• Main Authors: Sun, Yuanyuan, Chen, Lina, Xu, Rudan, Kong, Ruiqing
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 03.01.2014; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Algorithms; Analysis; Computer Science; Computer Security; Data encryption; Encryption; Engineering; Fractals; Hilbert curve; Image coding; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted - methods; Mathematics; Multimedia; R&D; Research & development; Safety and security measures; Securities analysis; Security; Sensitivity; Signal processing; Statistical analysis
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084655

Image encryption is an important and effective technique to protect image security. In this paper, a novel image encryption algorithm combining Julia sets and Hilbert curves is proposed. The algorithm utilizes Julia sets' parameters to generate a random sequence as the initial keys and gets the final encryption keys by scrambling the initial keys through the Hilbert curve. The final cipher image is obtained by modulo arithmetic and diffuse operation. In this method, it needs only a few parameters for the key generation, which greatly reduces the storage space. Moreover, because of the Julia sets' properties, such as infiniteness and chaotic characteristics, the keys have high sensitivity even to a tiny perturbation. The experimental results indicate that the algorithm has large key space, good statistical property, high sensitivity for the keys, and effective resistance to the chosen-plaintext attack.