Information reproducing apparatus and secure module

A secure module capable of being detachably mounted on an information reproducing apparatus and executing processing related to security when the information reproducing apparatus reproduces information which is transmitted through a transmission medium or stored in a recording medium, where the information reproducing apparatus includes a memory which can be accessed from outside, and decryption unit which is loaded in the memory, and decrypts an encryption applied to the first information by using a predetermined key;

• the secure module comprising:
• key supply unit which is implemented in the secure module, and supplies the predetermined key to the decryption unit;
• authentication unit which is implemented in the secure module, supplies second information to the decryption unit, refers to third information returned in response to the second information, and checks for authenticity of the decryption unit, where the second information is predetermined;
• and
• key-supply stop unit which is implemented in the secure module, and stops supply of the predetermined key by the key supply unit when the authentication unit does not authenticate the decryption unit.

An information reproducing method for reproducing information which is transmitted through a transmission medium or stored in a recording medium, comprising:

• a secure module storing first information and having a structure which does not allow access to the first information from outside;
• a memory which can be accessed from outside;
• decryption unit which is loaded in the memory, and decrypts an encryption applied to the first information by using a predetermined key;
• key supply unit which is implemented in the secure module, and supplies the predetermined key to the decryption unit;
• authentication unit which is implemented in the secure module, supplies second information to the decryption unit, refers to third information returned in response to the second information, and checks for authenticity of the decryption unit, where the second information is predetermined;
• and
• key-supply stop unit which is implemented in the secure module, and stops supply of the predetermined key by the key supply unit when the authentication unit does not authenticate the decryption unit.