A data processing system comprises a management processor, a programmable logic device (PLD) coupled to the management processor, and a machine-readable medium (MRM). The MRM comprises a PLD configuration image to configure the PLD with image-defined logic that comprises self-verification logic and an image-defined management interface to enable the management processor to communicate with the self-verification logic. The MRM also comprises a cryptographic signature based on the PLD configuration image. The MR also comprises PLD authentication instructions which, when executed by the management processor, cause the management processor to retrieve an address for the PLD configuration image from the PLD via the management interface, use the address to retrieve the PLD configuration image from the PLD via the management interface, retrieve the cryptographic signature from the PLD via the management interface, and use the cryptographic signature and a cryptographic key of a trusted entity to authenticate the PLD configuration image.