What Cac Card Reader For Mac Should I Buy

11-05-2021
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  1. Ensure your CAC reader works with Mac
  2. Check to ensure your Mac accepts the reader
  3. Check your Mac OS version
  4. Check your CAC’s version
  5. Update your DOD certificates
  6. Guidance for Firefox Users
  7. Look at graphs to see which CAC enabler to use

What Cac Card Reader For Mac Should I Buy A Cac

Step 1: Purchase a Mac Friendly CAC Reader

Purchase a CAC reader that works for your Mac. There are only a couple that you can choose from and I’ve listed them below.

If you already have a CAC reader and it isn’t Mac friendly, you could update the firmware, however, for the non-tech savvy people out there, it’s probably better to just purchase a new one and save the headache – they’re only ~$11-13 dollars.

Best Mac Compatible CAC USB Readers

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Best Mac Compatible CAC Desk Readers

Step 2: Plug in and Ensure It’s Accepted

How to set up CAC reader on personal computer?: I'm trying to get started on my correspondence courses, before I hit E4, and I just bought a CAC reader today at the PX. I know you can't just plug and go and that there are certain certificates you must install before being able to use your CAC on your personal computer. CAC card holder can be used to hold ID cards, smart cards, CAC cards and credit cards Plastic compartment keeps the card safe and secure Dual sided attachment options for vertical and horizontal display. Type C Smart Card Reader Rocketek DOD Military USB-C Common Access CAC Smart Card Reader Writer, Compatible with Windows (32/64bit) XP/Vista/ 7/8/10, Mac OS X.

Once you have your CAC reader, plug it into your Mac and ensure your computer recognizes it. If you have one of the CAC readers we suggested above, then you should be good to go.

If you are testing a different version, then verify that your Mac accepts your CAC reader by following these steps.

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Cac Card Reader For Mac

If for some reason your CAC reader isn’t working, then try the following steps.

Step 3: Update Your DOD Certificates

Now that you have your CAC reader connected and accepted on your Mac computer, it’s time to ensure you have the right certificates in order to access DOD CAC required web pages.

If you are using Chrome or Safari, then follow step 3a below. If you are using Firefox, you’ll need to do some extra steps:

  1. Type ⇧⌘U (Shift + Command + U) to access your Utilities
  2. Find and Double click “Keychain Access”
  3. Select “Login” and “All Items”
  4. Download the following four files and double click each once downloaded so as to install in your Keychain Access.
  5. When you double-click the Mac Root Cert 3 and 4, you’ll need to tell your browser to always trust them. Click the button like you see below:

Additional Steps for Firefox

Memory Card Reader For Mac

  1. Download All Certs zip and double click to unzip all 39 files
  2. While in Firefox, click “Firefox” on the top left, then “Preferences”
  3. Then Click “Advanced” > “Certificates” > “View Certificates”
  4. Then Click “Authorities” and then “Import”
  5. Import each file individually from the “AllCerts” folder. When you do this, the below box will popup. Check all three boxes and click “OK”

Step 4: Download and install CAC Enabler

  1. Download zip
  2. Double click the .zip file
  3. Because this is from an unidentified developer, you’ll need to hold down “Control” and click the program. Now select open and continue with install procedure.
  4. After installing, restart your computer

CAC Access at Home Success

Now that you have a CAC reader, certificates, and a CAC Enabler, you should now be able to access any CAC-enabled website and log on using your CAC password and data.

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Common Reasons Why Your CAC Card Won’t Work On Your Mac

Cac Card Reader For Chromebook

Ensure Your CAC Card Meets the Standards: In order for your CAC card to work, it must meet the minimal requirements. Currently, there are only four types of CAC cards that can be used. The ensure you have the right CAC card for online access, flip your CAC card to the back and if you have one of the below numbers written on the top left, then you are good to go:

  • G&D FIPS 201 SCE 3.2
  • Oberthur ID one 128 v5.5 Dual
  • GEMALTO DLGX4-A 144
  • GEMALTO TOP DL GX4 144

Apple

If you do not have any of the above written on the back, then proceed to your nearest PSD to get a new CAC card issued.