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200-201 Practice Question: Which principle ensures that a user cannot deny…
Which principle ensures that a user cannot deny having performed an action?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between accountability and non-repudiation, where candidates confuse logging/tracking (accountability) with cryptographic proof (non-repudiation), leading them to select 'Accountability' instead of 'Non-repudiation'.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
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 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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Authentication
Why it's wrong here
Authentication verifies who a user is, not that they performed an action.
- ✗
Accountability
Why it's wrong here
Accountability holds users responsible but doesn't inherently provide proof.
- ✗
Authorization
Why it's wrong here
Authorization determines what an authenticated user can do.
- ✓
Non-repudiation
Why this is correct
Non-repudiation provides evidence that an action occurred, preventing denial.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.