Topology-Evolving Image Encryption Algorithm Utilizing 2D Rosenbrock–Schwefel Hyperchaotic Map

Traditional image encryption methods based on static permutation and diffusion are vulnerable to structural cryptanalysis and often exhibit limited robustness under imperfect communication conditions. To address these issues, this paper proposes a robust topology-evolving image encryption algorithm driven by complex hyperchaotic dynamics for secure visual data transmission. First, a two-dimensional Rosenbrock–Schwefel hyperchaotic map is constructed to generate high-quality pseudorandom sequences for both permutation and diffusion. Based on this map, a bidirectional oscillatory spatial permutation mechanism governed by a dynamic linked-list topology is developed. Unlike fixed-path permutation strategies, the proposed topology continuously evolves with the system state during image traversal, thereby increasing nonlinear path complexity and improving resistance to structural attacks. Furthermore, a plaintext-dependent adaptive diffusion mechanism is designed to enhance sensitivity to plaintext variations and produce a strong global avalanche effect. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves favorable encryption performance, with an information entropy of up to 7.9994, a Number of Pixels Change Rate (NPCR) of 99.6076%, and a Unified Average Changing Intensity (UACI) of 33.4683%. In addition, the algorithm maintains good recovery performance under cropping attacks and noise interference, indicating its robustness and applicability for secure image transmission in complex communication environments.