Due to the inefficiency of multiple binary images encryption, a parallel binary image encryption framework based on the typical variants of spiking neural networks, spiking neural P (SNP) systems is proposed in this paper. More specifically, the two basic units in the proposed image cryptosystem, the permutation unit and the diffusion unit, are designed through SNP systems with multiple channels and polarizations (SNP-MCP systems), and SNP systems with astrocyte-like control (SNP-ALC systems), respectively. Different from the serial computing of the traditional image permutation/diffusion unit, SNP-MCP-based permutation/SNP-ALC-based diffusion unit can realize parallel computing through the parallel use of rules inside the neurons. Theoretical analysis results confirm the high efficiency of the binary image proposed cryptosystem. Security analysis experiments demonstrate the security of the proposed cryptosystem.
Keywords: Spiking neural P systems; binary image encryption; parallel computing.