Techniques for pairing two different security modules that use two different encryption technologies for operation in two different networks include generation and transmission of a secret to both the security modules via their respective communication networks. In one advantageous aspect, one of the security module, which may be prone for duplication or theft, is logically tethered to the other security module via the pairing. For example, after pairing is successfully performed, the first security module may be usable in a wide area network only when its presence in a local communication connection, such as a home network of a subscriber, or a peer-to-peer or a near field communication link, can be detected and verified by the second security module.