A process for authentication of a set-top box connected via a local area network to an internet access device includes: performing, by a platform client boot manager, authentication of the set-top box on the basis of an account, wherein performing the authentication further comprises: storing of unique information with the account from which the identity of the set-top box can be derived; and checking the set-top box during the operation based on the identity as to whether multiple set-top boxes are using the same account, and, if so, preventing functioning of the set-top box.