A device comprises a data storage media storing data content and a digital
signature. At least a portion of the digital signature is encrypted on
the data storage media. The device also includes a removable control
circuitry including a unique key. If the unique key corresponds to the
encrypted portion of the digital signature, the removable control
circuitry allows access to the data content. If the unique key does not
correspond to the encrypted portion of the digital signature, the
removable control circuitry prevents access to the data content.
Embodiments of the invention may be useful to prevent a user from
accessing the data content without the original control circuitry used to
write the data content. For example, embodiments of the invention may
prevent a user from using a different control circuitry that would
readily allow unauthorized copying and distribution of the data content.