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I've implemented an "encryption" algorithm that uses the deterministic chaos of an extended logistic map:

$x_{n+1}= r_n \cdot x_n \cdot (1-x_n)$

$y_{n+1} = \begin{cases} \text{$x_n+y_n$} &\text{if $x_n+y_n<1$}\\ \text{$x_n+y_n-1$} &\text{if $x_n+y_n\ge 1$}\\ \end{cases}$

$r_{n+1} = 3.57 + \left(0.23\cdot\sqrt{x^2+y^2}\right)$

The data is first chunked into $256\cdot64$ bits which I visualise as "squares". The initial values of $x,y,r$ are determined per-chunk by sampling bytes in a SHA-256 hashed key-data pair mixed with a hash of the index of the data chunk. I then map $x,y$ values from the range of the unit square to specific bits in the chunk and flip those bits iteratively, $(256\cdot64)^2$ times per chunk.

enter image description here

I am now looking to increase the performance of this algorithm, and I had an idea to apply some kind of chaotic "surface" to each chunk, sensitive to initial values. I would then only need to compute the value of this surface once per bit with a single function to spread the chaos over each chunk.

Having browsed Wikipedia's list of chaotic maps, I couldn't really seem to find anything that fit what I had in mind. Are there any known functions that might yield a good result?

Edit: After suggestions that chaos theory isn't possible to make secure, I wanted to find out whether other algorithms exist that use chaos theory. Apparently there is a large quantity of literature on this topic, especially focused on image encryption. Could someone explain the main sources of insecurity in a chaos theory based encryption algorithm?

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If you already use a proper cryptographic primitive such as SHA, why would you use the "almost snake oil" chaotic encryption mechanism?

It is impossible to prove any security properties for such maps beyond "passes randomness tests" since distributional guarantees are impossible to provide, unlike traditional cryptosystems.

Thus they offer no security advantage over traditional cryptosystems.

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    $\begingroup$ This is just a fun learning exercise I wanted to carry out. I have yet to take any lessons in cryptography, so am unfamiliar with most conventions/practices in the field. Could you explain why no chaotic map could provide distributional guarantees? From my understanding the logistic map provides topological mixing, so how is a proper distribution defined? $\endgroup$
    – ketchupcoke
    Commented Dec 4, 2018 at 22:35
  • $\begingroup$ I was also planning to create a SHA-like algorithm, of course it wouldn't compare but it might be a good learning experience. $\endgroup$
    – ketchupcoke
    Commented Dec 4, 2018 at 22:38
  • $\begingroup$ sure of course one can use it for learning ... $\endgroup$
    – kodlu
    Commented Dec 4, 2018 at 23:37

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