What process ensures hardware is procured tamper-free from trustworthy suppliers?

The correct answer is Source Authenticity. This process is vital in ensuring that hardware components are obtained from reliable and trustworthy suppliers. Source Authenticity involves verifying that the components are genuine and have not been altered or tampered with before reaching the end-user. It includes assessments and audits of supply chain partners to confirm the integrity of the hardware delivered.

In a security context, emphasizing Source Authenticity mitigates the risk of receiving compromised components that could lead to vulnerabilities or malicious activities within a system. By focusing on the authenticity of the source, organizations can protect themselves against risks such as counterfeit parts and supply chain attacks.

While other processes like Vendor Verification and Trusted Supply Chain also play essential roles in procurement security, they focus more on evaluating suppliers and managing the supply chain as a whole rather than specifically ensuring the authenticity of the sources from which hardware is procured.