Exploiting self-adaptive permutation–diffusion and DNA random encoding for secure and efficient image encryption

Abstract This paper presents a solution for secure and efficient image encryption with the help of self-adaptive permutation–diffusion and DNA random encoding. The plain image is firstly converted to DNA sequence using random encoding rules, so as to disarrange the bit distribution of the plaintext. A self-adaptive permutation–diffusion procedure is subsequently introduced for further encryption. The quantization processes of the permutation and diffusion procedures are disturbed by the intrinsic features of the plaintext, with the introduced disturbances can be automatically retrieved in the decryption end. The security of the system originates from the plaintext-related quantization of the encryption process which makes the cryptosystem secure against plaintext attack. Besides, the reusability of the random variables can dramatically promote the efficiency of the cryptosystem, which renders great potential for real-time secure image applications.