Robust Video Encryption using Multi-Chaotic Map Cascade to Mitigate Statistical and Differential Attacks

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of digital video transmission has necessitated robust security mechanisms to safeguard sensitive visual content against unauthorized access and interception. Conventional cryptographic algorithms, however, often struggle with the efficiency demands of high-volume video data. This study established and validated a lightweight yet highly secure video encryption scheme utilizing a Multi-Chaotic Map Cascade architecture. The proposed approach integrated the SHA-256 hash function for dynamic key generation with a hybrid hyperchaotic system comprising Henon, Lorenz, and Tent maps. This configuration facilitated a rigorous encryption process involving pixel coordinate permutation and bidirectional value diffusion. Comprehensive experimental evaluations were conducted on standard video sequences ranging from QCIF to Full HD resolutions to assess consistency and scalability. The results demonstrated that the algorithm achieved near-perfect randomness, with an average information entropy of 7.9988 bits and a Number of Pixels Change Rate of 100 percent, effectively satisfying the strict avalanche criterion. Furthermore, histogram analysis confirmed a statistically uniform distribution validated by Chi-Square tests. The scheme also exhibited strong resistance against visual reconstruction, maintaining Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio values below 10 dB for encrypted content. Additionally, Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) analysis confirmed near-zero structural correlation (averaging 0.018) in encrypted frames while achieving perfect reconstruction (SSIM = 1.0) during decryption. Adjacent pixel correlation analysis demonstrated exceptional randomness with correlation coefficients approaching zero (|r| < 0.006) across horizontal, vertical, and diagonal directions, effectively eliminating spatial dependencies.