Semiconductor memory with access protection scheme

A memory comprising:

• at least one data storage area comprising a plurality of data storage locations;
• an access circuitry for accessing the data storage locations for retrieving or altering a data content thereof;
• and
• at least one first user-configurable flag element and a second user-configurable flag element associated with said storage area, the first and second flag elements being used to define a protected state of the data storage area against alteration of the content of the data storage locations thereof, the protected state defined by the at least one first flag element being user-removable, while the protected state defined by the second flag element being permanent and non-removable,
• in which the at least one first flag element has a first state and a second state, in which any alteration of the data content of the respective data storage area is allowed and, respectively, inhibited, and
• the second flag element has a first state and a second state, in which changing of the state of the second flag element from the second state to the first state is allowed and, respectively, inhibited, so that when the second flag element is in the second state the respective data storage area is permanently protected against alteration of the data content thereof.