An information processing apparatus comprising: storage means (301, Fig.6) for storing, in association with user identification information, a first converted value converted from authentication information by a one-way function; receiving means for receiving, from a user, the user identification information and authentication information; holding means (Fig.8) for holding the authentication information received by said receiving means; and authentication means for executing user authentication by converting, by the one-way function, the authentication information received by said receiving means into a second converted value and checking the second converted value against the first converted value stored in said storage means in association with the user identification information received by said receiving means; characterized by comprising: import means for importing a converted value converted by the one-way function from another apparatus, wherein said storage means stores the converted value imported by said import means as the first converted value; storage control means for, based on success of the user authentication by said authentication means, causing said storage means to store, in association with the user identification information, the authentication information held by said holding means; and export means for exporting a converted value converted, from the authentication information stored in the storage means, by the one-way function. storage means (301, Fig.6) for storing, in association with user identification information, a first converted value converted from authentication information by a one-way function; receiving means for receiving, from a user, the user identification information and authentication information; holding means (Fig.8) for holding the authentication information received by said receiving means; and authentication means for executing user authentication by converting, by the one-way function, the authentication information received by said receiving means into a second converted value and checking the second converted value against the first converted value stored in said storage means in association with the user identification information received by said receiving means; characterized by comprising: import means for importing a converted value converted by the one-way function from another apparatus, wherein said storage means stores the converted value imported by said import means as the first converted value; storage control means for, based on success of the user authentication by said authentication means, causing said storage means to store, in association with the user identification information, the authentication information held by said holding means; and export means for exporting a converted value converted, from the authentication information stored in the storage means, by the one-way function. import means for importing a converted value converted by the one-way function from another apparatus, wherein said storage means stores the converted value imported by said import means as the first converted value; storage control means for, based on success of the user authentication by said authentication means, causing said storage means to store, in association with the user identification information, the authentication information held by said holding means; and export means for exporting a converted value converted, from the authentication information stored in the storage means, by the one-way function.