Non-Repudiation

Simple Definition for Beginners:

Non-Repudiation is a security principle that ensures that a sender or receiver of a message cannot deny sending or receiving the message.

Common Use Example:

Digital signatures are used to provide non-repudiation in electronic transactions, ensuring that the sender cannot later deny sending the message.

Technical Definition for Professionals:

Non-Repudiation is a security concept that guarantees the integrity and authenticity of electronic communications, transactions, or digital assets by preventing parties from denying their involvement in the transaction. Key aspects of Non-Repudiation include:

• Digital Signatures:

o Use cryptographic techniques to create unique digital signatures that are tied to the sender’s identity and the content of the message.

o Verify the integrity of the message and authenticate the sender’s identity, ensuring that the sender cannot deny sending the message.

• Timestamping:

o Add timestamps to digital signatures or transactions to establish the time at which the transaction occurred.

o Provide evidence of the transaction timeline, preventing parties from denying the timing of their actions.

• Audit Trails:

o Maintain detailed logs or audit trails of electronic transactions, including information such as sender details, recipient details, timestamps, and transaction contents.

o Enable forensic analysis and investigation to resolve disputes or discrepancies regarding the transaction.

• Legal Framework:

o Adhere to legal frameworks and regulations that recognize digital signatures and provide legal validity to electronically signed documents or transactions.

o Ensure compliance with laws and standards related to non-repudiation, electronic signatures, and digital transactions.

Non-Repudiation mechanisms are essential in digital communications, electronic commerce, and legal contexts, providing trust, accountability, and assurance in electronic transactions.