Systems and methods for improved security in handset reprogramming are provided that prevent a handset from being reprogrammed in the field without authorization from carrier. When a handset receives a reprogramming request, or detects a reprogramming attempt, the handset contacts the carrier for authorization to be reprogrammed. The network can provide the authorization, deny the authorization, require additional information from the reprogramming device, or contact the reprogramming device directly to authorize the reprogramming. Additionally, the carrier may provide the handset and the reprogramming device each with a private key that can be converted by each device and then compared by the handset to determine if the reprogramming device is authorized.