Adaptable microcontroller based security monitor

A method is provided for protecting embedded cryptographic processing circuits (112, 114), software and data, contained within electronic equipment. The method involves monitoring with a first processing device (210) embedded in the electronic equipment parameter values generated by sensors (108) provided in the electronic equipment. The method also involves evaluating with the first processing device each of the parameter values to determine if it falls within a predetermined range of acceptable values. The method further involves using a modified operating profile in the first processing device to perform the monitoring or evaluating step if one or more of the parameter values is determined not to be within the predetermined range. The method also involves selecting the operating profile to include defined variables selected from the group consisting of the predetermined ranges of acceptable values, the parameter values that are evaluated, and a rate at which the parameter values are evaluated.