An apparatus having a communication section operable to communicate with a central apparatus, and a storage control section operable to control writing onto, and reading from, a storage medium. The apparatus receives a control command transmitted from the central apparatus. The apparatus, if the received command is a security command, acquires process information indicating information on the security process. The apparatus transmits the process information acquired to the central apparatus. The apparatus, if the received command is a security command, executes the security process. The apparatus, if the received command is an inquiry command, acquires the status of the execution of the security process. The apparatus transmits the security process execution status acquired to the central apparatus. The apparatus, if the execution of the security process is completed, transmits the fact that the execution of the security process in the storage medium is completed to the central apparatus.