A system and method are provided for securely providing configuration information, that is, programming, to programmable hardware such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or a Programmable Logic Device (PLD). Security is provided by first verifying authority to enter configuration information via the decryption of an encrypted certificate of authority. The decryption is carried out using a cryptography engine disposed on the chip containing the programmable hardware. Additionally, the configuration information is itself provided in an encrypted form which requires recognition of the certificate of authority in order to decrypt it and to place it in storage locations within the programmable hardware. In this manner, the flexibility advantages of programmable hardware are fully met without the disadvantage of the programmable hardware being compromised by other users.