Systems and methods for restricting write access to non-volatile memory

A method for restricting write access to a non-volatile memory. The method includes receiving a request to write to a protected location in the non-volatile memory and determining whether the protected location is in a write-protected state. If the protected location is not in a write-protected state, the method includes writing data indicated by the request to the protected location. If the protected location is in a write-protected state, the method includes rejecting the request. The protected location stores a validation key to validate the contents of another portion of the non-volatile memory.