In one embodiment, a method is provided for data processing in order to provide a value for determining whether an error has occurred in the execution of a program. The method may include: determining a numerical value on the basis of a plurality of reference numbers determined by a checking circuit outside the program; determining a signature of at least one instruction of the program by means of an arithmetic code; updating a cumulative value on the basis of the numerical value and the signature; and transferring the updated cumulative value to the checking circuit in order to determine whether an error has occurred in the execution of the program, on the basis of the plurality of reference numbers and the cumulative value.