Advanced 3D Image Encryption for Multiple RGB Images Using Hybrid Chaotic Maps

This paper presents a novel encryption scheme for securing multiple RGB images, addressing the limitations of traditional single-image encryption techniques in real-world applications. By integrating two chaotic maps and utilizing efficient row and column swapping operations within a 3D space, our approach offers significant improvements in both security and resilience. The encryption process involves the random selection of pairs of image components, followed by iterative swapping of their rows and columns, which introduces a high degree of confusion and strengthens the security of the pixel data. To generate the random numbers essential for encryption, we employ the Intertwining-Logistic Map (ILM) and the Improved-Piecewise Linear Chaotic Map (MPWLCM). The ILM generates three distinct random streams that enhance confusion, while the MPWLCM produces a fourth stream to facilitate diffusion. Additionally, we incorporate a SHA-256 hash value and a 256-bit user key to further increase security by expanding the key space and enhancing sensitivity to plaintext variations. Extensive simulations and security evaluations demonstrate the proposed scheme’s robustness against a variety of attacks, showcasing its practical applicability as a promising solution for the secure protection of image data in real-world scenarios.