In order to solve the problem of single type of encrypted images and low security of encryption algorithm, the Arnold dual-scrambling image encryption method based on rows and columns bitwise XOR operation was proposed. Firstly, the image was scrambled in grey space and position space according to the Arnold transform formula, then the line-by-line bitwise XOR operation was performed. Second, the above result was then subjected to another positional space permutation, and finally a column-by-column bitwise XOR operation was carried out. With this method, the scrambling effect of traditional Arnold dual-scrambling could be effectively enhanced, which allows the image to be fully diffused and result in encrypted images. The experimental results show that this method can achieve the scrambling of arbitrary size images, improve the scrambling effect of conventional Arnold method, effectively reduce the correlation between adjacent pixels of the image, and ensure the security and robustness of the image transmission process.