In this paper, a novel image encryption technique is proposed based on reference sets with some prime numbers and polar decomposition. In this technique, a primary secret key and reference sets are used in the generation of feature vector using a recursive random number generation (RRNG) process. This feature vector is then used for encryption process. Finally, a reliable decryption process has been presented to reconstruct the original image. The Simulated results demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of the proposed technique. © 2018 IEEE.