A method and apparatus identifying an item by attaching a radio frequency
identification device to the item; obtaining encryption information;
generating an encrypted code from the encryption information by a
programmer; inserting the encrypted code into the radio frequency
identification device by the programmer whereas the encrypted code may be
one of a plurality of encrypted codes; attempting to access the radio
frequency identification device by a security reader by transmission of
another encrypted code to the radio frequency identification device; and
responding with a correct access signal by the radio frequency
identification device in response to receipt of the other encrypted code
if the other encrypted code is same as the inserted encrypted code.