Secure memory controlled access is described. In embodiment(s), memory stores encrypted data and the memory includes a secure memory partition to store cryptographically sensitive data utilized to control access to the encrypted data stored on the memory. Controller firmware can access the encrypted data stored on the memory, but is precluded from access to the secure memory partition and the cryptographically sensitive data. Secure firmware can access the cryptographically sensitive data stored on the secure memory partition to control access by the controller firmware to the encrypted data stored on the memory.