The present invention provides a confidential information management
system which allows users to securely obtain confidential information
files containing various confidential information, which files are
securely stored in the present system, anywhere and anytime, using a
minimum of confidential information. A confidential information file and
encoding/decoding software are downloaded to an information terminal from
a confidential information managing server and an encoding/decoding
software managing server, respectively, so that the confidential
information file is decoded on the information terminal by using the
encoding/decoding software. The present system is applicable to various
(computer) systems which store and manage confidential information (ID
numbers, passwords, encryption keys, digital certificates, etc.) for use
in user verification.