# Verification Mechanisms

Nomad's primary design difference from other cross-chain messaging protocols is its usage of [**optimistic verification**](/the-nomad-protocol/verification-mechanisms/optimistic-verification.md).

By leveraging an optimistic mechanism, Nomad reduces the trust assumptions relative to [externally verified systems](/the-nomad-protocol/verification-mechanisms/external-verification.md) (eg. multisig, PoS, and oracle based designs). While these systems require an honest majority (k-of-n) to function safely, Nomad only requires **a single honest watcher (1-of-n).** 

This section will provide:

* [A background on verification in the context of cross-chain communications](/the-nomad-protocol/verification-mechanisms/background-on-verification.md)
* A description of the different verification mechanisms:
  * [Native verification — why it is the ideal, but impractical](/the-nomad-protocol/verification-mechanisms/native-verification.md)
  * [External verification — why it has proliferated, but is insecure](/the-nomad-protocol/verification-mechanisms/external-verification.md)
  * [Optimistic verification — how it reaches a via media, and what it trades off](/the-nomad-protocol/verification-mechanisms/optimistic-verification.md)
* [A comparison of the different mechanisms and popular constructions](/the-nomad-protocol/verification-mechanisms/comparing-mechanisms.md) 


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