A method and apparatus for initializing multiple security modules are provided. The method may comprise the acts of determining if the security module is a controlling security module or a subordinate security module, generating at least one key if the security module is the controlling security module, and receiving at least one key from another security module if the security module is the subordinate security module. The apparatus may comprise a detector that is adapted to determine if the security module is a controlling security module or a subordinate security module, a key generator that generates a key for the security module if the security module is the controlling security module, and a key receiver that receives a key from another security module if the security module is the subordinate security module.