A device for descrambling encrypted data includes a descrambler, a secure link, and a secure element that securely transmits a control word to the descrambler in a normal operating mode. The secure element includes a first secure register, a read-only memory having a boot code, a random-access memory for storing a firmware image from an external memory, and a processor coupled to the first secure register, the read-only memory, and the random access memory. The processor executes the boot code to generate the control word, stores the control word in the first secure register, and send the stored control word to the descrambler through a secure communication link. The descrambler may include a second secure register that is connected to the first secure register through the secure link. The first and second secure registers are not scannable during a normal operation. The secure link contains buried signal traces.