Quick Answer
The answer is non-repudiation, the security principle that ensures a user cannot deny having performed an action. This is correct because non-repudiation relies on cryptographic mechanisms like digital signatures within a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), where a sender signs data with their private key, and the receiver verifies it with the corresponding public key, creating irrefutable proof of origin and integrity. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how audit logs and digital signatures provide accountability in network security, often appearing in questions about incident response or evidence handling. A common trap is confusing non-repudiation with authentication—remember that authentication proves who you are, while non-repudiation proves you did it and cannot later deny it. A useful memory tip: think of a signed contract—once you sign it with your unique digital signature, you cannot claim you never signed it.
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which security principle ensures that a user cannot deny having performed an action?
Availability
Why wrong: Availability is about uptime.
Confidentiality
Why wrong: Confidentiality is about secrecy.
Non-repudiation
Non-repudiation provides undeniable evidence.
Integrity
Why wrong: Integrity is about data accuracy.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Non-repudiation
Non-repudiation ensures that a user cannot deny having performed an action, typically by using cryptographic mechanisms such as digital signatures or audit logs. In network security, this is often implemented through protocols like PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) where a sender signs data with their private key, and the receiver verifies it with the corresponding public key, providing irrefutable proof of origin.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Availability
Why it's wrong here
Availability is about uptime.
Confidentiality
Why it's wrong here
Confidentiality is about secrecy.
Non-repudiation
Why this is correct
Non-repudiation provides undeniable evidence.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Integrity
Why it's wrong here
Integrity is about data accuracy.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between integrity and non-repudiation, where candidates mistakenly choose integrity because they associate hashing with proof of origin, but integrity only verifies data has not changed, not who sent it.
Detailed technical explanation
Non-repudiation relies on asymmetric cryptography where a digital signature is created by hashing the message and encrypting the hash with the sender's private key; the receiver decrypts the hash with the sender's public key and compares it to a freshly computed hash. In real-world scenarios, such as email signing with S/MIME or code signing with Authenticode, non-repudiation is critical for legal and compliance purposes, as it provides evidence that can be used in disputes. A subtle behavior is that non-repudiation can be compromised if the private key is stolen or if the certificate authority is compromised, which is why key management and revocation (e.g., via CRLs or OCSP) are essential.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Non-repudiation — Non-repudiation ensures that a user cannot deny having performed an action, typically by using cryptographic mechanisms such as digital signatures or audit logs. In network security, this is often implemented through protocols like PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) where a sender signs data with their private key, and the receiver verifies it with the corresponding public key, providing irrefutable proof of origin.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which principle ensures that a user cannot deny having performed an action?
easyWhy D: Non-repudiation ensures that a user cannot deny having performed an action, typically by using digital signatures or cryptographic mechanisms. In network security, this is often achieved through protocols like HMAC or digital certificates that bind an action to a specific identity, providing irrefutable proof. Without non-repudiation, a user could claim they never sent a message or executed a command, undermining audit trails and legal accountability.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This 200-201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-201 exam.
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