An efficient image encryption algorithm based on a prey-predator model
Peng Luo, Mengyu Luo, Xinlei Chen, Cairang Jia, Jian Wang · Journal of Modern Optics · 2025
In the era of information technology, the security challenges surrounding image data become increasingly severe, with incidents of data leaks persistently occurring. In this study, we design an encryption algorithm based on a prey-predator model for image information protection. Due to the symmetry of the encryption and decryption processes, the same key is used for both encryption and decryption. Initially, we observe that chaotic behaviour emerges under appropriate parameter. Leveraging the chaotic characteristic, we generate sequences and apply them in Arnold scrambling and diffusion processing to encrypt images. Meanwhile, in Arnold scrambling, variable parameters are adopted to resist plaintext attacks. To thoroughly evaluate our algorithm, a series of experimental analyses are conducted, including histogram analysis, correlation analysis, noise attack analysis, and data loss attack. Furthermore, differential attack analyses are performed, with calculated NPCR and UACI values approaching ideal standards. Besides, the average information entropy also indicates that our method is competitive. The results affirm the superior performance of our algorithm across various environments. Our research provides a novel approach for image security and demonstrates excellent performance in practical applications.