Multiple-image encryption algorithm based on S-boxes and DNA sequences

Image encryption is crucial for safeguarding sensitive visual data; however, traditional methods often encounter challenges regarding efficiency and adaptability to the unique characteristics of images. This research is motivated by the potential of ring-based algebraic structures to develop lightweight, secure, and efficient encryption schemes specifically designed for image data. The article presents a novel approach to image encryption in cryptography using a local ring algebraic structure. The proposed method involves encrypting multiple images by constructing substitution boxes from subsets, which are not subgroups but have identity and invertibility axioms. The challenge of using subsets for encryption purposes is addressed by taking unit elements of the ring, picking a subgroup, and splitting it into two subsets. The substitution box is generated by one of the subsets and used for the substitution process, while the other subset is mapped to the Galois field. It constructs the substitution box and is used for diffusion. A DNA sequence is applied to the red, green, and blue channels of the image, and a key is generated by hashing the image and using a subset of the subgroup of units of the ring. Finally, all channels are XORed with the key. The performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated using different analyses, and it is found that the scheme outperforms existing approaches. This approach presents a promising solution for image encryption in cryptography.