Title: A new hyperchaotic image encryption scheme based on DNA computing and SHA-512

Authors: Shuliang Sun; Xiping Wang; Zihua Zhao

Addresses: Computer and Electrical Engineering College, Hunan University of Arts and Science, Changde, 415000, China ' Finance Department, Economics and Management College, Hunan University of Arts and Science, Changde, 415000, China ' Finance Department, Economics and Management College, Hunan University of Arts and Science, Changde, 415000, China

Abstract: Smartphones and digital cameras are becoming more and more widespread in the world. Massive images are generated every day in the world. They are easily transmitted on the insecure channel-internet. Encryption technique is usually adopted to protect sensitive images during communication. A new cryptosystem is constructed by six-dimensional (6D) chaotic system and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) techniques. Firstly, the hash value is calculated. It keeps the encrypted result closely connected with the original image. The initial conditions of the cryptosystem are produced with the generated hash value and secret key. Secondly, the pixel is divided into four parts, forming a large matrix. Scrambling is performed on the new image. Subsequently, DNA coding, modern DNA complementary rules, DNA computing, and DNA decoding are utilised. Diffusion operation is also executed to improve the security, and the ciphered image is achieved finally. The experimental performance reveals that the designed algorithm has some advantages. It also signifies that the designed algorithm could protect against common attacks and is more secure than some existing methods.

Keywords: hyperchaotic system; DNA computing; SHA-512.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSNET.2026.152037

International Journal of Sensor Networks, 2026 Vol.50 No.2, pp.85 - 95

Received: 14 May 2025
Accepted: 23 May 2025
Published online: 04 Mar 2026 *

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