A novel chaos-based image encryption using DNA sequence operation and secure hash algorithm SHA-2

In this paper, we propose a novel image encryption algorithm based on a hybrid model of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) masking, a Secure Hash Algorithm SHA-2 and the Lorenz system. Our study uses DNA sequences and operations and the chaotic Lorenz system to strengthen the cryptosystem. The significant advantages of this approach are improving the information entropy which is the most important feature of randomness, resisting against various typical attacks and getting good experimental results. The theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the algorithm improves the encoding efficiency, enhances the security of the ciphertext and has a large key space and a high key sensitivity, and it is able to resist against the statistical and exhaustive attacks.