A Chaotic Image Encryption Algorithm Based on Optimization and DNA Sequence
Qicheng Xu, Ruigan Lin, Hongrui Zhang, Xuezhi Yang, Jinlong Liu · International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos · 2025
This paper proposes an image encryption algorithm based on a novel three-dimensional chaotic system, a multiobjective genetic optimization strategy, DNA encoding, and RSA parameter mapping. The main dynamic properties of the newly constructed chaotic system are thoroughly analyzed, and an analog circuit is designed to verify its physical implementability. These components form the foundational encryption framework. To further enhance performance, the RSA algorithm is employed to compute initial parameters of the chaotic system, while a genetic algorithm is introduced to optimize the sequence of DNA encoding rules used in the encryption process. Each individual encoding scheme in the genetic algorithm represents a candidate that maps image pixels to encrypted values. The optimization process iteratively evaluates and selects the best-performing individual based on encryption quality metrics. Experimental results demonstrate the algorithm’s robustness against statistical and differential attacks. Its performance is validated through histogram analysis, correlation coefficient analysis, information entropy, NPCR, and UACI evaluations. Comparative results show that the proposed chaotic system achieves strong encryption security even without optimization. For users requiring enhanced security, the optimization phase offers further improvements at the cost of additional computational time, allowing flexible trade-offs between efficiency and robustness.