In some embodiments, a method and apparatus for proving the denial of a direct proof signature are described. In one embodiment, a trusted hardware device convinces a verifier that the trusted hardware device possesses cryptographic information without revealing unique, device identification information of the trusted hardware device or the cryptographic information. Once the verifier is convinced that the hardware device possesses the cryptographic information, the verifier may issue a denial of signature request to the trusted hardware device, including at least one compromised direct proof signature. In response, the trusted hardware device issues a denial of the compromised direct proof signature by proving to the verifier that a cryptographic key held by the trusted hardware device was not used to form the at least one compromised direct proof signature. Other embodiments are described and claims.