Use of chaotic dynamical systems in cryptography

In this paper, some of the mathematical properties relevant to the use of chaotic dynamical systems in cryptography are identified and reviewed. We evaluate these properties for some of the systems proposed in the literature and explain the consequences for the level of security offered by these systems. As a conclusion, it is proposed to use only those systems that are accessible to a mathematical analysis of their chaotic properties, and some open research questions are identified. (C) 2001 The Franklin Institute. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.