Self-authenticating file system in an embedded gaming device

A method and apparatus for pre-load authentication suitable for use with an operating system in an embedded gaming device. A user-space file system that can automatically authenticate its contents is disclosed. The user-space file system can be deployed on a standalone system or using a client-server model such that a remote system server can coordinate with a local client to perform authentication. By moving the authentication into the file system functional block there is additional assurance that any game code or data stored in the file system cannot be accessed without first performing the required authentication.