Abstract: The present invention is directed to a label for authenticating and tracking an object. The label includes an electronic security layer including an antenna configured to receive an interrogation signal propagating within a predetermined distance from the label and transmit a response message. A programmable circuit is coupled to the antenna. The programmable circuit is configured to store authentication data and tracking data, retrieve the authentication data and the tracking data in response to the interrogation signal, and formulate the response message. The response message includes at least a portion of the authentication data and the tracking data. An optical indicia layer is affixed to a first side of the electronic security layer. The optical indicia layer has disposed thereon optically encoded indicia corresponding to at least a portion of the authentication data and at least a portion of tracking data stored in the electronic security layer.