A Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) communication lockout processor is disclosed. The processor is configured to generate a multi-channel unlock sequence based on an operational mode change of an operably connected programmable device, and save the unlock sequence to one or more memory registers. The processor can also receive an execution of the multi-channel unlock sequence via two or more unlock channels, determine, via an unlock logic, whether the execution of the multi-channel unlock sequence is valid, and responsive to determining that the execution of the multi-channel unlock sequence is valid, allow or disallow the JTAG communication with an embedded processor.