AES-Driven Image Encryption: Overcoming Security and Transmission Challenges

Continuous demand for digitization of data necessitates world to take robust measures for securing messages sent over the insecure channels. Thus, the presented research gives an innovative image encryption scheme that focuses on encrypting the RGB components of each pixel individually, rather than the entire pixel. The encryption process employs a secondary image as a key, which must be equal to or larger than the original image being encrypted. By utilizing chaotic systems, this method improves security while also reducing the time required for encryption and decryption. Simulation results indicate that this approach offers a high level of both security and efficiency. Additionally, a Command Line Interface (CLI) tool has been developed, allowing users to encrypt and decrypt PNG, JPG, and JPEG images, while providing a key for future decryption, thus ensuring complete control over their images. This study highlights the critical need for image protection in today's digital landscape, where the surge of image data demands innovative solutions to safeguard privacy and integrity. The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is employed to enhance both performance and security. This research contributes to the ongoing advancement of secure and efficient image encryption techniques, addressing the increasing concerns surrounding data security in the digital world.