Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for utilizing zero-power, energy-harvesting computational modules to provide secure and reprogrammable wireless communications with vulnerable devices comprising integrated circuits (ICs), including active implantable medical devices, electronic lock and key systems, credit cards, access cards, identification cards and passports. The zero-power, energy-harvesting computational modules are powered by radio signals received from an interrogator, and requests from the interrogator are authenticated using an encrypted challenge-response mechanism. Communications between the interrogator and the vulnerable device are enabled if the interrogator requests have been authenticated, thus preventing unauthorized requests from reaching the vulnerable device.