A surgical instrument (1), comprising a surgical end effector (60) having a receiving portion for removably receiving therein an interchangeable part (50, 2200), said receiving portion having a communication connection； a handle (10) connected to said end effector (60) for actuating said end effector (60), said handle (10) having a controller electrically connected to said communication connection for authenticating said interchangeable part (50, 2200)； and said interchangeable part (50, 2200) removably connected to said receiving portion and having an encryption device electrically removably connected to said communication connection when at said receiving portion, said encryption device being programmed to authenticate said interchangeable part (50, 2200) when said part (50, 2200) is at said receiving portion.
