Image Encryption Tool using Pixel Manipulation

Overview

This project is a simple Image Encryption and Decryption Tool developed using Python and the Pillow (PIL) library. The tool secures images by applying XOR-based pixel manipulation techniques to every pixel in the image.

The same operation is used for both encryption and decryption because XOR is a reversible operation.

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Features

• Encrypt images using XOR pixel manipulation
• Decrypt encrypted images using the same secret key
• Supports RGB image processing
• User-friendly command-line interface
• Error handling for invalid file paths and keys

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Technologies Used

• Python 3
• Pillow (PIL) Library

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Installation

Step 1: Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/Abhishith999/SCT_CS_2
cd SCT_CS_2

Step 2: Install Dependencies

pip install -r requirements.txt

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How the Encryption Works

Each pixel in the image contains RGB values.

The program performs an XOR operation between each RGB value and the user-provided secret key.

Example:

new_r = r ^ key
new_g = g ^ key
new_b = b ^ key

Because XOR is reversible:

• Applying the same key again decrypts the image
• The original image is restored

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Project Structure

image-encryption-tool/
│
├── image_encryption.py
├── README.md
├── input_images/
├── output_images/

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Usage

Run the Program

python image_encryption.py

Choose Operation

Enter 'E' for encryption or 'D' for decryption

Provide:

• Input image path
• Output image path
• Numerical secret key

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Example

Encryption

Enter 'E' for encryption or 'D' for decryption: E
Enter the path of the image to be encrypted: input.jpg
Enter the path where the encrypted image will be saved: encrypted.jpg
Enter the numerical key: 45

Decryption

Enter 'E' for encryption or 'D' for decryption: D
Enter the path of the image to be decrypted: encrypted.jpg
Enter the path where the decrypted image will be saved: decrypted.jpg
Enter the numerical key: 45

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Error Handling

The program handles:

• Invalid file paths
• Incorrect key input
• Unexpected runtime errors

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Learning Outcomes

Through this project, the following concepts were learned:

• Image processing using Pillow
• Pixel manipulation techniques
• XOR encryption logic
• File handling in Python
• Exception handling
• Command-line interaction

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Future Improvements

• GUI-based interface
• Multiple encryption algorithms
• Password-based key generation
• Drag-and-drop image support
• Batch image encryption

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Author

Developed as part of the Cyber Security Internship Program at SkillCraft Technology.

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