A method can include storing host code executable by a host device in a nonvolatile memory (NVM) device and NVM code executable by the NVM device. The NVM device can validate the integrity of the NVM code in response to predetermined conditions and generate a code integrity value for validating the NVM code. The code integrity value having a size independent of a size of the host code. An authentication code can be sent to the host device that is generated with at least the code integrity value. In response to read requests from the host device, returning at least portions of the host code for execution by the host device. Corresponding devices and systems are also disclosed.