Embedded memory protection

One embodiment of the present application includes a microcontroller that has an embedded memory, a programmable processor, and a test interface. The memory is accessible through the test interface. In response to resetting this microcontroller, a counter is started and the test interface is initially set to a disabled state while an initiation program is executed. The test interface is changed to an enabled state-such that access to the embedded memory is permitted through it-when the counter reaches a predefined value unless the microcontroller executes programming code before the predefined value is reached to provide the disabled state during subsequent microcontroller operation.