Image encryption algorithm based on a <i>l</i> dimensional chaotic map and double-base DNA coding

Abstract Digital images are widely used in many fields, and image security is becoming more and more important. To enhance the security and robustness, this paper proposes an image encryption algorithm based on a new l dimensional chaotic map and double base complementation DNA coding. Firstly, an equation of l dimensional chaotic map is proposed, and two-dimensional equations are chosen as the first choice for encryption. Secondly, a double-base DNA encoding method is proposed to solve the weakness that DNA encoding rules are more vulnerable to brute force attacks. Thirdly, a DNA cube image encryption algorithm on three-dimensional space is designed. Finally, the experiments and performance analyses of the proposed image encryption algorithm are carried out. The key space is notably extensive, approximately 2 456 , and the information entropy of the encrypted image approaches 8, while the correlation between adjacent pixels is nearly 0. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm demonstrates remarkable resilience against clipping and noise attacks. Consequently, our algorithm is both secure and robust, making it well-suited for image transmission in network environments that demand high levels of security and robustness.