Systems and methods that prevent unauthorized access in a communications
network are provided. In one embodiment, a system that prevents
unauthorized access to a network device may include, for example, a
network device and a headend. The headend may be coupled to a
communications network. The network device may be deployed in a home
environment and may be communicatively coupled to the communications
network via the headend. The headend may be adapted, for example, to
determine whether a request to access the network device is authorized.