ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)Security PrinciplesEasy

A small e-commerce startup is developing a new online store. They are particularly concerned about ensuring that customers cannot falsely deny making a purchase after an order has been placed and confirmed. Which security principle directly addresses this concern?

  1. ANon-repudiation
  2. BConfidentiality
  3. CAvailability
  4. DIntegrity
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Non-repudiation

Non-repudiation ensures that a party cannot deny having performed an action. In this e-commerce scenario, it prevents customers from denying a purchase, which is crucial for business operations.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. Confidentiality protects information from unauthorized disclosure, which is not the primary concern here.
  • C. Availability ensures systems and data are accessible when needed, unrelated to denying actions.
  • D. Integrity protects data from unauthorized modification, not from denying an action that has occurred.

Non-repudiation

The assurance that someone cannot deny the validity of something. It provides undeniable proof of origin or delivery of data, preventing a sender from denying they sent a message or a receiver from denying they received a message.

  • Ensures accountability for actions
  • Often achieved through digital signatures and logs
  • Crucial for legal and financial transactions

Memory trick: CIA Triad and Beyond: Confidentially, Integrity, Availability, plus Authenticity, Non-repudiation, and Accountability.

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