A Novel Multi-Layered Secure Image Encryption Scheme Utilizing Protein Sequences, Dynamic Mealy Machines, 3D-AS Scrambling, and Chaotic Systems
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The swift rise in multimedia transmission through insecure channels has made the study of information security critically important. Image encryption holds significant importance in this context, hence necessitating the improvement of the encryption algorithms. This research introduces a Protein-Driven Mealy Machine Image Encryption with Multi-Layer Protection (PMIE-MLP) algorithm, an innovative cryptographic system to improve image security that uses a dynamic protein-based Mealy machine, a novel 3D-AS scrambling, and a chaotic system. An encryption framework comprises key generation and six protection layers: substitution, four layers of diffusion, and confusion. These layers attempt to address the confusion and diffusion principles of Shannon’s cryptographic system and meet the high security standards of encrypted images. The authors conduct rigorous experiments to measure the efficiency of the PMIE-MLP along with its security quotient. These experimental results provide evidence that the PMIE-MLP is capable of achieving resistance to attacks such as brute force, statistical, differential, occlusion, and noise attacks. Moreover, the metrics obtained by the PMIE-MLP demonstrated equal or better security results than those of prior studies. A better performance analysis was achieved through the key space, chi-square value, correlation coefficient values, and image resistance to differential attacks; thus, it is evident that the PMIE-MLP is capable of transmitting colored image information in a secure manner.
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