<p>A key recovery information distribution device is provided between a recoverer device and a key recovery device, recovers a data key for the recoverer device, and reduces the load of the recoverer device. Data is encrypted using the data key and stored with key recovery information. The recoverer device which decrypts the encrypted data distributes the key recovery information to key recovery devices through the key recovery information distribution device to recover key information. A recoverer is authenticated directly between the key recovery device and the recoverer device, and then the key information is transmitted to the recoverer device, and the recoverer device recovers the data key.</p>
