Tamper resistance of distributed hardware systems

Embodiments are directed to an IC device comprising a set of N elements, and an interconnect system for enabling communication between the set of elements. Each element of the set of elements is configured according to a first communication plan to receive attestation data of each other element of the set of elements. Upon receiving the attestation data the element may determine whether each of the received attestation data from the other elements match an attestation pattern as defined in the first communication plan. In case the received attestation data match the first communication plan, the element may determine whether the received attestation data is attested by N−1 elements of the set of elements. In case the attestation data is attested by N−1 elements of the set of elements, the element may indicate the presence of the set of elements before the time interval has lapsed.