Cross-channel image encryption algorithm based on two-dimensional chaotic system and V-like diffusion

Abstract To mitigate the strong inter-channel dependence in current color image encryption algorithms, a cross-channel image encryption algorithm based on two-dimensional chaotic system and V-like diffusion is proposed in this research. Firstly, a two-dimensional chaotic system with complex chaotic behavior, called 2D-CICM, is constructed. Subsequently, through iterative diagonal transformation, a fractal sorting matrix is generated, which is combined with chaotic sequences to achieve rapid scrambling. Finally, a V-like diffusion mechanism is employed to realize cross-channel diffusion. In this diffusion mechanism, the current pixel’s encryption simultaneously depends on both the preceding pixel‌ and ‌chaotic sequences‌, which effectively degrades residual pixel correlation and disrupts the image’s statistical characteristics, and results in more uniform and thorough encryption effects. Experimental results demonstrate that this algorithm can effectively resist various attacks, including statistical and differential attacks, and features a large key space, low inter-channel correlation, and fast encryption speed, which makes it highly suitable for scenarios requiring high security and real-time performance in image transmission and storage.