New insights into the existing image encryption algorithms based on DNA coding

Abstract

Because a DNA nucleotide sequence has the characteristics of large storage capacity, high parallelism, and low energy consumption, DNA cryptography is favored by information security researchers. Image encryption algorithms based on DNA coding have become a research hotspot in the field of image encryption and security. In this study, based on a comprehensive review of the existing studies and their results, we present new insights into the existing image encryption algorithms based on DNA coding. First, the existing algorithms were summarized and classified into five types, depending on the type of DNA coding: DNA fixed coding, DNA dynamic coding, different types of base complement operation, different DNA sequence algebraic operations, and combinations of multiple DNA operations. Second, we analyzed and studied each classification algorithm using simulation and obtained their advantages and disadvantages. Third, the DNA coding mechanisms, DNA algebraic operations, and DNA algebraic combination operations were compared and discussed. Then, a new scheme was proposed by combining the optimal coding mechanism with the optimal DNA coding operation. Finally, we revealed the shortcomings of the existing studies and the future direction for improving image encryption methods based on DNA coding.

Medical image encryption algorithm based on a new five-dimensional three-leaf chaotic system and genetic operation

“…DNA contains 4 kinds of bases [ 5 ], namely A (adenine), T (thymine), C (cytosine), and G (guanine). Traditional computer processing of data is usually expressed in binary form of 0 and 1.…”

“…The protection of pictures has attracted the attention of many researchers. Among various protection measures of pictures, image encryption occupies an important position [ 5 , 6 ]. Therefore, on the basis of many image encryption algorithms, it is necessary to study more real-time, efficient and safe encryption algorithms.…”

“…DNA molecule is composed of 4 nitrogen-containing bases, and a DNA molecular sequence can carry huge information [ 18 ]. Due to the shortcomings of traditional electronic computer such as small storage capacity and serial connection, the combination of DNA and computer technology is a hot spot in cryptography research [ 5 ]. In recent years, researchers use computers instead of traditional biochemical experiments to achieve DNA manipulation, which is called pseudo-DNA manipulation [ 19 , 20 ].…”

“…DNA mutation [ 33 ] refers to a change in DNA base or a change in base sequence, and base substitution mutation is a type of DNA mutation. As we all know, DNA bases [ 5 ] mainly include two kinds of purines and two kinds of pyrimidines. Base substitution mutation [ 34 ] is divided into transition and transversion.…”

Image Encryption Algorithm Based on an Improved ML Neuron Model and DNA Dynamic Coding

“…The advantage of DNA computing lies in that it can perform parallel computing, which reduces power consumption and has a high storage density. Researchers have explored the complementary base pairing principle in DNA theory [ 10 – 12 ] and introduced it to realize image encryption. Literatures [ 13 , 14 ] proposed many DNA-based encryption schemes.…”