Intelligent tracking system and methods and systems therefor

A system for authenticating tracking devices, comprising:

• a tracking device that:
• generates an encrypted message that indicates a tracking identifier that uniquely identifies the tracking device;
• and
• modulates a response signal that includes the encrypted message for transmission via an antenna of the tracking device;
• an authentication server that:
• receives the encrypted message;
• determines the device identifier based on the encrypted message;
• and
• verifies the device identifier based on a list of known device identifiers, wherein the list of known device identifiers indicates device identifiers of valid tracking devices.