A network node can use reputation values to determine when to forego validating a cached Content Object's authenticity. During operation, the network node can receive an Interest over a Content Centric Network (CCN). If the Content Store includes a matching Content Object that satisfies the Interest, the node obtains the cached Content Object. The node then determines whether the Interest includes a validation token that is to be used to validate the Content Object's authenticity. If so, the node determines a reputation value for the Content Object, such that the reputation value indicates a likelihood that validation of the Content Object's authenticity will be successful. If the network node determines that the reputation value exceeds a predetermined threshold, the node returns the Content Object without validating the Content Object's authenticity.