Color image encryption based on DNA encoding and pair coupled chaotic maps

Information security has become a significant issue in encryption due to the rapid progress of internet and network. Therefore, the development of the encryption algorithm is a growing and significant problem. In this study, a new color image encryption was introduced based on DNA complementary rules and pair coupled chaotic maps. At first, the plain color image was divided into three components (R, G, B) being converted into three DNA matrices using DNA encoding rules. Secondly, DNA addition for R, G and B components was implemented and scrambled the elements position of three DNA sequence via the pair coupled chaotic maps. Three gray coded images obtained and RGB encrypted image was achieved by restructuring R, G, B components. The simulation of experimental result and security analysis showed that this algorithm had larger secret key space and strong secret key sensitivity and it had excellent ability to resist against statistical and differential attacks.