System and method for enabling access to a protected hardware resource

A method for enabling access to a protected resource, the method comprising:

• receiving a unique hardware ID associated with a hardware component having a protected resource;
• and
• providing a restricted software module based on at least the unique hardware ID, wherein the restricted software module is configured to generate or access an enable register (ER) value;
• wherein the restricted software module is configured to compare the ER value with a unique stored enable value (EV) stored in a secure location in the hardware component and the protected resource and to allow access to the protected resource if the ER value and the EV match.

A hardware component, comprising:

• a unique hardware ID associated with the hardware component;
• a protected resource;
• a permanently stored unique enable value (EV) associated with the hardware component and the protected resource, wherein the EV is stored in a secure location within the hardware component;
• and
• a restricted software module based on at least the unique hardware ID for selectively enabling access to the protected resource, wherein the restricted software module is executed by the hardware component to:
• generate or access an enable register (ER) value;
• compare the ER value with the EV;
• and
• allow access to the protected resource if the ER value and the EV match.