A system to control access to a nonvolatile memory. The system includes an embedded controller, and a nonvolatile memory including a password. The embedded controller and the nonvolatile memory may be in communication with one another. The system further includes a lock register receiving and storing the password from the nonvolatile memory, and a key register receiving a key from the embedded controller and holding the key for one machine cycle. Further, the system includes a comparator connected between the lock register and the key register. The comparator compares the password received from the lock register and the key received from the key register. Output from the comparator is provided to an access filter connected between the embedded controller and the nonvolatile memory. Based on the comparator output, the access filter may grant or block access to the nonvolatile memory.