Secure lock mechanism based on a lock word

A method for identifying a hack attack in a protected system, comprising:

• reading a value of a lock word from a memory at least two times, the lock word associated with a lockable feature;
• and
• identifying a hack attack based on the at least two read values.

A method for identifying hack attacks against a protected system, the method comprising:

• reading a value of a lock word from a memory at least two times, the lock word associated with a lockable feature;
• and
• identifying a hack attack based on the at least two read values.

A program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to:

• read a value of a lock word from a memory at least two times, the lock word associated with a lockable feature;
• and
• identify a hack attack based on the at least two read values.

A computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for identifying hack attacks against a protected system, the computer program product comprising:

• computer readable program code for causing the computer to read a value of a lock word from a memory at least two times, the lock word associated with a lockable feature;
• and
• computer readable program code for causing the computer to identify a hack attack based on the at least two read values.

A method for controlling lockable features in a protected system, comprising:

• checking a desired state of a lockable feature a plurality of times, wherein allowable use of the lockable feature is restricted in accordance with a predetermined locked level during the checks;
• and
• liberalizing use of the lockable feature to a predetermined unlocked level if all of the checks reflect a desired unlocked state.

A method for controlling lockable features in a protected system having a nonvolatile memory with write ability, the method comprising:

• checking a desired state of a lockable feature a plurality of times, wherein allowable use of the lockable feature is restricted in accordance with a predetermined locked level during the checks;
• and
• liberalizing use of the lockable feature to a predetermined unlocked level if all of the checks reflect a desired unlocked state.

A program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to:

• check a desired state of a lockable feature a plurality of times, wherein allowable use of the lockable feature is restricted in accordance with a predetermined locked level during the checks;
• and
• liberalize use of the lockable feature to a predetermined unlocked level if all of the checks reflect a desired unlocked state.

A computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for controlling lockable features in a protected system having nonvolatile memory with write ability, the computer program product comprising:

• computer readable program code for causing the computer to check a desired state of a lockable feature a plurality of times, wherein allowable use of the lockable feature is restricted in accordance with a predetermined locked level during the checks;
• and
• computer readable program code for causing the computer to liberalize use of the lockable feature to a predetermined unlocked level if all of the checks reflect a desired unlocked state.