Authentication key and apparatus, method, and computer readable recording medium for authentication

An article that is worn or carried by a living being includes an authentication key for identifying the living being or acquiring information about the living being. The authentication key is formed on a surface of the article by processing the article. An authenticating apparatus performs authentication whether an authority to make access to information is present, and includes an authentication key information reading unit and authenticating unit. The authentication key information reading unit reads authentication key information stored in the authentication key. The authenticating unit performs the authentication to check whether an authority to make access to the information about the living being is present based on the read authentication key information.