MicroAlgo Inc. (NASDAQ: MLGO) has developed a quantum image XOR encryption algorithm designed to protect sensitive image data, the Shenzhen-based company announced.

The algorithm encodes classical image pixel values into quantum state representations using the Generalized Quantum Image Representation method, which maps grayscale values to quantum state amplitudes. Encryption is then performed at the qubit level through XOR operations.

For key generation, the algorithm uses a hyper-chaotic system to produce random bit sequences. MicroAlgo states that hyper-chaotic systems carry more positive Lyapunov exponents than conventional chaotic systems, resulting in greater sensitivity to initial conditions and a larger key space. The algorithm also incorporates Cipher Block Chaining mode, in which each plaintext block's encryption depends on the preceding block's ciphertext output.

The quantum XOR encryption step performs bitwise XOR between a quantum key image and the encoded quantum image states. MicroAlgo states that, following this operation, the ciphertext image histogram presents a uniform distribution and information entropy approaches its theoretical upper bound.

Decryption reverses the process using the same hyper-chaotic key, applying XOR again to restore the original image. The company states the algorithm can resist brute-force attacks, statistical cryptanalysis, and differential attacks.

MicroAlgo identifies potential deployment areas including medical imaging, financial records, government documents, military surveillance imagery, and IoT visual data.

The company states it plans to integrate the algorithm with quantum key distribution systems and optimize it for cross-scenario deployment as quantum hardware and communication technologies develop.