Color image encryption algorithm based on quantum random walk and multiple reset scrambling*

Abstract In order to address the issues of privacy breaches, data tampering, and security threats in the realm of image encryption and information security, it is essential to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and reliability of image data. In this paper, we propose a novel hybrid color image encryption scheme that increases the complexity of the key space and provides better data integrity protection by combining the quantum random walk and SHA-256 algorithm. At the same time, three chaotic systems were combined, and multiple XOR operations were introduced to effectively scramble the spatial and pixel levels of the color image. Through numerous simulation experiments and security analyses, the results demonstrate that the solution exhibits efficient encryption performance, excellent resistance to attacks, and outstanding privacy protection capabilities.