An information processing apparatus and method are provided. The information processing apparatus and method provides an attribute of a component which executes a process of reading data from an information recording medium is confirmed so that severe authentication corresponding to contents can be achieved. In authentication of a component which attempts to perform a process of data read from an information recording medium, it is confirmed whether or not an attribute of the component has a data process permission component attribute set in advance. For example, it is confirmed through the attribute confirmation whether the component is a hardware component or a software component, and only when the component is a hardware component, a process of the contents is permitted.