> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cifer.gitbook.io/cifer-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cifer.gitbook.io/cifer-docs/documentation/cifer-sdk/architecture-and-security/freshness-and-replay-protection.md).

# Freshness and replay protection

Every authenticated Blackbox operation signs a canonical request string containing context such as chain, secret, signer, freshness value, and operation data.

## Web3

The SDK fetches a recent block number from the configured read client. The Blackbox accepts requests only within its freshness window. Recognized stale-block responses can be retried with a new height.

## Web2

Web2 uses `WEB2_CHAIN_ID = -1` and a millisecond timestamp rather than an RPC block. The active session signs the request.

## Integration rules

* Use the SDK's canonical signing helpers; do not invent a new string format.
* Keep the read client on the same chain as the target SecretsController.
* Synchronize server and client clocks for Web2 deployments.
* Do not cache a signed request for later reuse.
* Treat repeated stale errors as an RPC, environment, or time-synchronization problem.
* Preserve SDK error types so the UI can distinguish retryable failures from rejected authorization.

Freshness reduces replay risk but does not replace TLS, authorization, session revocation, or transaction nonce controls.


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