Provably secure color image encryption algorithm based on FO 4D-HCS and ACM

Digital image security has become a major concern due to open networks and Internet data sharing. Many image encryption algorithms have been introduced recently for securely sharing data, but they have some drawbacks and efficiency issues. Cryptography uses chaotic systems because of their high randomization properties and accuracy. To overcome the constraints inherent in conventional encryption algorithms, a novel and secure image encryption algorithm based on fractional-order (FO) 4D hyperchaotic system (4D-HCS) and Arnold Cat map (ACM) is proposed in this paper to ensure secure transmission of color images. The proposed algorithm is mainly based on pixel rotation, permutation, bit-wise XOR operations, and substitution. ACM is used for pixel rotation in the color image, eliminating the high correlations between neighboring pixels without obscuring the information. Adding permutations after separating the red ( \(R_{c}\) $R_c$ ), green ( \(G_{c}\) $G_c$ ), and blue ( \(B_{c}\) $B_c$ ) color channels can enhance the confusion. The color image pixel values are diffused by using substitution through hyperchaotic sequences of FO 4D-HCS. The algorithm offers an impressive key space of approximately \(2^{548}\) $2^{548}$ for high cryptographic strength and showcases fast encryption. The proposed algorithm for color image encryption is examined in light of various cryptographic characteristics. These tests yield promising results, assuring that the proposed algorithm for color image encryption is secure and resistant to different standard attacks.