Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus to secure a machine having a machine security system. The machine security system includes a primary controller, and a key switch associated with the primary controller and adapted to receive a key, the key switch being configurable to a plurality of positions. The method includes the steps of delivering power to the primary controller in response to the key switch being configured in a predetermined position, activating the security system in response to the power delivery, determining a first operating characteristic of the machine, determining whether to maintain activation of the security system in response to the first operating characteristic, receiving an identification code from the key, and determining whether to enable machine operation in response to the received key code.