FeistelX network-based image encryption leveraging hyperchaotic fusion and extended DNA coding

The rising frequency of cyberattacks has heightened the need for more secure and efficient image encryption techniques. Traditional chaotic and DNA-based methods often struggle with limited key space, low diffusion efficiency, or vulnerability to statistical attacks, especially when handling large or high-dimensional image data. This study introduces an image encryption technique that integrates the FeistelX Network with extended DNA cryptography and two distinct two-dimensional hyperchaotic maps, namely the two-dimensional symbolic chaotic map (2D-SCM) and the two-dimensional hyperchaotic exponential adjusted Logistic and Sine map (2D-HELS), to bolster data security. The proposed method synergizes three key components: the FeistelX Network offers a robust encryption framework with bijectivity ensured by property H; the extended DNA cryptography expands the key space and minimizes pixel correlation through advanced DNA operations; and the two hyperchaotic maps generate highly intricate chaotic sequences, ensuring greater randomness and resilience. Compared to existing schemes, the proposed method demonstrates improved diffusion, randomness, and resistance to statistical attacks. Experimental results show that this method achieves high-security indicators, with Chi-square values consistently below the critical threshold, average entropy values of 7.9994, and UACI and NPCR metrics remaining within the optimal theoretical ranges. Moreover, the method passed all sixteen NIST randomness tests with an average p-value of 0.6278. It demonstrated resilience to noise and data loss with PSNR values above 18 dB under attack scenarios. This combination of FeistelX structure, extended DNA operations, and dual hyperchaotic maps offers a novel and effective solution for enhancing image encryption security beyond traditional approaches.