Methods for the secure control of an apparatus by way of a system include a viewing device comprising a touch surface, a viewing screen and a processing and control unit. The secure control method comprises the following steps: displaying a first symbol corresponding to a first state of the apparatus and a second symbol corresponding to a second state; implementing the second state of the apparatus by way of a single continuous press on the touch surface starting on the first symbol, passing through a first crossing point, following a pattern comprising a part passing diagonally through a plurality of rows and columns of the matrix, passing through a second crossing point and finishing on the second symbol.