Methods for protecting data on an integrated circuit including a memory are described. One method includes storing protection codes on the integrated circuit. Each protection code has a first value indicating a protected state and a second value indicating an unprotected state for a corresponding sector in a plurality of sectors of the memory. The method includes storing protection mask codes on the integrated circuit. Each mask code has a first value indicating a masked state or a second value indicating an unmasked state for a corresponding sector in the plurality of sectors. The method includes blocking modification in a particular sector of the memory using circuitry on the integrated circuit when the protection code for the particular sector has the first value and the mask code for the particular sector has the second value, else allowing modification in the particular sector.