Abstract: Provided is a toner cartridge having a microcontroller configured to store data necessary to create a message authentication code required by the printer. The microcontroller contains data values capable of generating acceptable MACs for a plurality of printers. The microcontroller recognizes a variety of unique parameters displayed by the printer's processor to identify the printer being used. Once the printer is identified, the microcontroller loads the data values associated with the printer and generates an acceptable MAC to enable printer operation.