OPERATOR DATA AUTHENTICATOR

In order to facilitate the inspection process, a method has been developed to electronically authenticate a facility operator’s declaration data. Once the operator has made a declaration of activities during a reporting period, an unchangeable time stamp and unique signature is applied to the data. Once the signature is applied, it is not possible to change the declaration, wholly or in part, without detection. The enabling device is called an Operator Data Authenticator (ODA), and was developed for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) with assistance from the U.S. Support Program. This paper discusses the use and functionality the ODA within the IAEA inspection methodology and proposes its application to other inspection regimes.