Techniques are described for communicating encoded data using start code emulation prevention. The described techniques include obtaining at least one partially encrypted packet, identifying at least one portion of the packet that is unencrypted, and determining that the identified unencrypted portion(s) emulates a start code. Start code emulation prevention data or emulation prevention bytes (EPBs) may be inserted into only the encrypted portion of the packet. The modified packet may be communicated to another device/storage, along with an indication of which portion(s) of the packet are unencrypted. Upon receiving the packet and indication, the receiving device may identify and remove the EPBs in the identified unencrypted portion(s) of the packet, and decrypt the packet to recover the data. In some aspects, upon identifying the indication, the receiving device may only search for EPBs in the unencrypted portion(s) of the packet, thus yielding a more efficient start code emulation prevention process.