Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling access to a detachably connectable computer device using encryption is disclosed. The method and apparatus include a connector for coupling the device to a computer, an input for receiving a password from a user, encrypting logic for encrypting the password and comparing logic for comparing the received password with a key. The key is determined by encrypting a user-assigned password and storing it as the key. Further included is circuitry for determining whether the received password corresponds to the key, and circuitry for sending an enable signal to configuration logic of the detachably connectable computer device, upon a determination that the received password corresponds to the key.