An apparatus is configured for coupling through a network to an external authentication system that allows use of an external service and to a service providing system that provides a given service through authentication performed by the external authentication system. The apparatus includes a web browser and a storing unit. The web browser is configured to transmit to the external authentication system authentication credentials to be used for the authentication performed by the external authentication system to request the authentication to be performed by the external authentication system. The web browser is configured to cause the storing unit to store a first cookie indicating that the authentication credentials have been authenticated. After the storing unit stores a second cookie indicating that the use of the given service has been allowed, the web browser is configured to cause the storing unit to delete the first cookie.