Quick Answer
The answer is digital signatures, the cryptographic mechanism that provides non-repudiation by binding the sender’s identity to the message. This works through public key cryptography: the sender signs the message with their unique private key, and anyone can verify that signature using the corresponding public key. Because only the sender possesses that private key, they cannot later deny having sent the message—the signature is mathematically tied to both the document and the signer. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this concept tests your understanding of how non-repudiation differs from authentication and integrity; a common trap is confusing digital signatures with hashing or encryption, which alone do not prove identity. Remember that hashing ensures integrity, but only a digital signature provides non-repudiation. A useful memory tip: “Sign it, don’t just hash it—only a private key can prevent denial.”
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. 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.
A security architect is designing a system that must ensure that a sender cannot later deny having sent a message. Which cryptographic mechanism should be implemented?
Symmetric encryption
Why wrong: Symmetric encryption does not provide non-repudiation as the shared key could be used by either party.
Access control lists
Why wrong: ACLs control who can access resources, not message non-repudiation.
Hashing
Why wrong: Hashing provides integrity but not non-repudiation; it does not tie the hash to a specific sender.
Digital signatures
Correct. Digital signatures ensure non-repudiation of origin.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Digital signatures
Digital signatures provide non-repudiation by binding the sender's identity to the message using public key cryptography. The sender cannot deny because only they possess the private key used to sign.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Symmetric encryption
Why it's wrong here
Symmetric encryption does not provide non-repudiation as the shared key could be used by either party.
Access control lists
Why it's wrong here
ACLs control who can access resources, not message non-repudiation.
Hashing
Why it's wrong here
Hashing provides integrity but not non-repudiation; it does not tie the hash to a specific sender.
Digital signatures
Why this is correct
Correct. Digital signatures ensure non-repudiation of origin.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CC NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Digital signatures — Digital signatures provide non-repudiation by binding the sender's identity to the message using public key cryptography. The sender cannot deny because only they possess the private key used to sign.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CC NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.
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