2022 Data Authentication Demonstration: Exploration of Host and Inspector Confidence in
Hardware, Software, and Data

The Quad Nuclear Verification Partnership (Quad) completed the Data Authentication Demonstration in June 2022 at Y-12 National Security Complex (Y-12). The Data Authentication Demonstration explored authentication (i.e., trust) and certification (i.e., safety and security) concepts on hardware, software, and data under representative constraints for a hypothetical nuclear disarmament scenario. The Quad consists of members from Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Quad sought to demonstrate the use of equipment within sensitive facilities (such as Y-12), while exploring the impact of host-facility certification procedures on inspector authentication of the verification data produced. With this demonstration, the Quad investigated an approach to use inspector-provided technology in a host facility while also satisfying the host’s certification needs. This demonstration used Sandia National Laboratories’ wired Chain of Custody Item Monitor as the example technology, which was provided to Y-12 by a non-US Quad partner country. This paper will outline demonstration activities, outcomes, and findings with respect to host and inspector confidence.