FAQs
Reasons a CAC may malfunction include: Invalid certificates. Damaged smart card chip. Blocked smart card.
Is it safe to buy CAC Reader on Amazon? ›
KrebsOnSecurity blog recently reported on a popular, low-cost Common Access Card (CAC) reader available on Amazon that came with drivers infected by malware. A compromised smart ID card reader can bring severe consequences to both government and private organizations.
How to check if a CAC reader is working? ›
To check if smart card reader is working:
- Navigate to Computer.
- Right-click Computer, and then select Properties.
- Under Tasks, select Device Manager.
- In Device Manager, expand Smart card readers, select the name of the smart card reader you want to check, and then select Properties.
How do I get my computer to read my CAC card? ›
You can get started using your CAC by following these basic steps:
- Get a card reader. ...
- Install middleware, if necessary. ...
- Install DoD root certificates with InstallRoot (32-bit, 64-bit or Non Administrator) ...
- Make certificates available to your operating system and/or browser, if necessary.
How do I fix my card reader not working? ›
Resolution
- Step 1 - Check if the memory card is supported on your computer. ...
- Step 2 - Check and clean the memory card and the card reader slot. ...
- Step 3 - Check if the card reader is disabled in the BIOS or UEFI. ...
- Step 4 - Try Windows troubleshooter to fix card reader issues. ...
- Step 5 - Change the drive letter of the card reader.
How to check if a card reader is working? ›
How to determine if a USB card reader is working
- Plug the USB card reader into a workstation.
- Open Notepad.
- Swipe a card on the reader with Notepad open, if characters appear in Notepad, the card reader is working.
Will a CAC reader work on a phone? ›
Type C CAC Reader, DOD Military USB C Common Access CAC Card Reader, Smart Card Reader PIV CAC Reader Compatible with Windows, Mac OS and Android Phone.
How much does Amazon CAC cost? ›
Customer Acquisition Cost, or CAC, is a metric that measures how much money a brand spends to acquire a new customer. It is calculated by dividing the total marketing and sales expenses by the number of customers acquired in a given period.
Can you use CAC card reader on personal computer? ›
NOTE: If you have already obtained or purchased a smart card reader and cannot locate the hardware driver installer, please contact the manufacturer. It order to utilize a CAC on a personal computer, it is necessary to install the DoD Root Certificates, which are common to all users.
Will a square reader read a CAC card? ›
The Contactless and Chip Reader cannot read a military CAC. It can only read credit or debit cards.
A CAC is blocked when:
The user enters the wrong PIN multiple times. There's a technology synchronization issue. The user's certificate is corrupt.
Do CAC readers store data? ›
The CAC—which is roughly the size of a standard credit card—stores 144K of data storage and memory on a single integrated circuit chip (ICC). This CAC technology allows for rapid authentication and enhanced security for all physical and logical access.
Do CAC readers work on Chromebooks? ›
Google has partnered with DriveLock to provide support on ChromeOS for a wide range of cards and profiles, including CAC (Common Access Card) and PIV (Personal Identity Verification Card) cards. You can find the DriveLock middleware provider on the Chrome Web Store. See CSSI Smart Card Middleware.
What information is stored on a CAC card? ›
The CAC contains a microprocessor chip that stores the user's personal information, such as name, rank, and organization, and also includes cryptographic keys and digital certificates that are used to authenticate the user's identity and grant access to DoD resources.
Why won't my smart card reader work? ›
Check that the card reader lights up. Check that the chip on the smart card is clean (wipe it down) Check that the smart card is inserted correctly in the card reader (chip facing in and up) Connect the card reader to a different USB port.
Why won't my CAC reader work on my MacBook? ›
If you have an SCR-331 CAC reader, you may need to update the firmware to be able to use this older reader on your Mac. There is no guarantee it will work, it is an option to try before purchasing a new reader. 4a. If you have the ACR-3801, 38, 38U, or 39 CAC reader, you may need to update the driver.
Why is my credit card reader not working? ›
If the Card Reader will not connect:
Sometimes if this is dirty, it cannot be detected by the device. Check the Lightning input on the device to make sure it is clean and free of debris or moisture. Make sure your device does not have a case that is keeping the Reader from being connected securely.
How do I reset my CAC card? ›
If your fingerprint matches successfully, you can select a new PIN. Currently, there is no capability to reset your PIN remotely. If your CAC expires and you are eligible for a new CAC, you should go to the nearest RAPIDS site and obtain your new CAC.
Why is my smart card not working? ›
Smartcard problems are almost always traced back to incorrect software or device setup, and you will need to contact your local IT support. Depending on your organisation, this may be through your IT helpdesk, or via a dedicated Registration Authority team.