Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for ensuring that programs comprising at least one of video, audio, and data that are requested by a customer from a service provider (SP) via an interactive information services system, which transmits the requested programs in program bearing packets to a set top unit (STU) associated with the customer, are accessible by only authorized customers. The apparatus is positioned between the SP and the STU and comprises: means for receiving the program beating packets in a first network protocol from a first data link and removing the packets from the first network protocol; means for adding conditional access to the program bearing packets; and, means for re-encapsulating the program bearing packets in a second network protocol and outputting the program bearing packets over a second data link.