Robust and imperceptible image watermarking using chaotic map-integrated quantum-inspired multi-objective cuckoo search optimization

With the rapid growth of multimedia data transmission for secure and reliable communication has become critical due to increasing cyber threats. This paper presents a Chaotic Map-integrated Quantum-Inspired Multi-Objective Cuckoo Search (CMQICS)-based watermarking approach to achieve high imperceptibility, robustness, and embedding efficacy. The proposed approach integrates quantum-inspired cuckoo search optimization with chaotic mapping to enhance watermark embedding. A multi-image watermarking scheme is also used to strengthen payload capacity while minimizing visual distortion. The embedding process operates in the frequency domain using a hybrid Discrete Cosine Transform-Two-Dimensional Discrete Wavelet Transform (DCT-2DWT) combined with a zig-zag scanning strategy. This ensures attack resilience. The experimental results show that CMQICS achieves a Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) of approximately 89 dB, a Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM) of 0.99, and an average embedding time of around 1 s. Randomness analysis further validates the security of the embedded watermark. The comparative evaluations states that the CMQICS outperforms existing approaches.