An RFID tag has a memory, an RF transceiver that supports long range RF communications with a long range reader, and an interface that supports short range communications with a short range reader over a secure link. The RF transceiver can be used to transmit an ID stored in the memory of the tag to a long range reader, and the interface can be used to transmit sensitive history information to a short range reader over the secure link. The ID uniquely identifies an article to which the tag is attached, and the history information provides environmental data, and/or maintenance data, and/or shipping data, and/or inventory data, and/or production data, etc. about the article.