Henon Chaotic Map and RC6 Block Algorithm Cascaded Design-Based Medical Image Encryption

Abstract

Protecting sensitive medical images is essential in modern healthcare systems, where security and robustness are critical. This study presents a hybrid image encryption scheme combining the chaotic Henon map with the RC6 algorithm to ensure secure and efficient image transmission. The method leverages the high sensitivity and unpredictability of the Henon map alongside RC6’s strong diffusion and noise resistance. Experimental results demonstrate strong robustness, evidenced by uniform pixel distributions, high entropy (7.999), and resistance to statistical attacks. Compared with AES, the proposed approach more effectively reduces pixel correlation, exhibits high key sensitivity, and provides strong protection against brute-force attacks due to its large key space.