Hyperchaos and the fusion of Moore’s automaton with gold sequences for augmented medical image encryption

Abstract

Abstract This study presents a sophisticated encryption methodology specifically designed for the secure transfer of medical images across cloud services. The initial phase of the algorithm involves the consolidation of multiple images to form a single augmented image, which is then subjected to the first layer of encryption. This layer employs an encryption key and an S-box generated through a Memristive Coupled Neural Network Model (MCNNM), establishing a strong foundation for security. Following this, the novel integration of Moore’s Automaton with Gold sequences is applied as a confusion mechanism, intrinsically scrambling the image structure to effectively disrupt pixel correlations. The encryption process iterates over N cycles, significantly deepening the level of encryption with each iteration. Performance evaluations reflect a considerable key space of $$2^{2020}$$ and a high encryption rate of 15.5 Mbps, while rigorous statistical tests validate the algorithm’s resilience. The encryption system proposed in this manuscript not only ensures a formidable level of security but is also pragmatically designed for application in the protection of sensitive healthcare data.