Novel image encryption algorithm utilizing hybrid chaotic maps and Elliptic Curve Cryptography with genetic algorithm

In the era of digital communications, securing image data became a hot issue. In this respect, the present paper offers a powerful encryption technique for images while integrating three phases: confusion-diffusion, encryption, and optimization. In the confusion phase, the Lorenz chaotic map applied to improve the randomness of the image data. Diffusion is further made by using a novel hybrid chaotic map known as Logistic-Piecewise Linear Chaotic Map (LPWLCM). This further enhances the image content with the new hybrid of the Logistic and Piecewise Linear Chaotic Maps. The encryption phase uses Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), which offers high security with minimal key sizes such that the encrypted image is resistant to unauthorized access. Finally, the optimization step applies Genetic Algorithm in order to optimize the cipher image to get maximum strength, both in terms of cryptographic quality and performance. Extensive experiments have been performed to show the substantial gains obtained with this proposed technique in security metrics and computational efficiency compared with the existing techniques. Thus, the proposed approach has hope to be taken into account as a good solution for secure image transmission in many applications. The experimental results validate the proposal, hence showing the potential of applying it in real-world implementation of secure digital communication systems.