A secure register in a cable modem is accessed only if properly encrypted data is received. The properly encrypted data is encrypted with a private key known only to a cable modem termination station. The data is decrypted with the public key stored in the cable modem. If the data and digital signature match, then the result of a hash function verifies that the data write is authorized. Configuration data, such as bandwidth data can be written only to the protected register in the cable modem, only if the data matches. Otherwise, the writing is prohibited. The method allows to securely access registers in electronic device remotely, using insecure communication media or channel. The method can be used to restrict access to critical data in registers or memory elements of a device, including ASICs, Flash and EEPROM memory components, to only positively authenticated sources of data.