Definition of: non-repudiation

To be unable to reject the validity of a document (unable to prove it is counterfeit). The term is the opposite of "repudiate," which means to reject the validity of something.

Digital signatures and certificates provide non-repudiation because they guarantee the authenticity of a document or message. As a result, the sending parties cannot deny that they sent it (they cannot repudiate it). Non-repudiation can also be used to ensure that an e-mail message was opened (see e-mail tracker).

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