A method for a server to initiate resynchronization with an access terminal, when synchronization has been lost, that cannot be exploited by attackers is provided. The server may provide the access terminal with a secret key that is only known to the access terminal and the server. The access terminal may store the secret key in a secure storage device to prevent the secret key from being hacked. If the server determines that synchronization has been lost, the server may send a resynchronization message to the access terminal with the secret key attached. The access terminal retrieves the stored secret key from the secure memory device and compares it to the secret key attached to the resynchronization message. If there is a match, the access terminal may initiate a secure communication link with the server to reestablish synchronization.