When it comes to using any CAC reader from home, it isn’t just plug and play. You’re going to need a couple extra things to get started such as Drivers and ActivClient.
Solution1 (built-In Smart Card Ability): Uninstall ActivClient 6.2.0.x or 7.0.1.x by 'Right Clicking' the Windows logo '4 squares' in the lower left corner of your desktop, select Programs and Features (now called Apps and Features), find ActivClient in your list of programs and select Uninstall, restart your computer and try the sites again. The Saicoo CAC Card reader V2 is one of the most reliable of the CAC card readers. Many military personnel already use this card reader since many commands carry them and use them for portable computers. That being said, this is not a permanent placement type CAC reader as compared to others in the industry. Software you will need.CAC Reader Driver (reader “talks” to computer).ActivClient (card “talks” to Windows).LotusForms (view forms) (replaced PureEdge).ApproveIt (sign forms).All software is accessed using your AKO username / password. However, do download Lotus & ApproveIt requires you can login with your CAC first.
And while you may be familiar with what drivers are, ActivClient may be relatively new to you. So let’s discuss what ActivClient is and where to obtain the proper version for your CAC.
What is ActivClient?
ActivClient is one of the most important pieces of the being able to use your CAC at home puzzle. It’s the actual software that allows your computer to communicate with the little computer chip embedded within the CAC itself.
The program was purposely designed with 4 major goals in mind.
- Increase Security
- Optimize Productivity
- Improve Compliance
- Reduce Costs
And for the most part, the program runs as designed. But if you’re using your CAC for DoD applications… Each branch has differences when installing ActivClient. (More info on that later.) And like most software, there are many different versions available.
It’s imperative that you’re running the appropriate version–which normally means you’re updated to the latest edition. However, it can often be difficult to determine exactly what version you need. If you’re unsure at all, don’t hesitate to ask your command or local PSD which one you need.
Where can I download the right version of ActivClient for my CAC?
Utilizing ActivClient properly is one of the biggest hangups when it comes to ensuring functional operation of your CAC reader. Normally, the hardware drivers are pretty simple. Most come with the CAC reader itself. But ActivClient is another story.
You’re going to need to independently install ActivClient to your computer.
But that’s OK. It’s not as difficult as you would believe–depending on your branch of service anyway. Here’s the best way each branch can get the right ActivClient software:
Navy
This includes Navy reservists. You’re going to need to contact your command’s IT personnel. Alternatively, you can outright purchase ActivClient 7.1 but… It’s so much simpler otherwise. Just remember, if you do purchase the software, ActivClient 7.1 works with Windows versions 7, 8, 8.1, 10.
Army
This includes Reservists and National Guard. You can easily access ActivClient through your AKO (Army Knowledge Online) portal. Just be sure you’re choosing the right program. There’s ActivClient 7.1 options for both 64-bit and 32-bit Windows.
Here’s the link for each:
64-bit: ActivClient AKO 64-bit
32-bit: ActivClient AKO 32-bit
NOTE: In order to best use these links, right click the link and select “Copy Link Address”. Then paste the URL above in your URL bar. This will prevent you from being directed to the AKO homepage.
Air Force
This includes Air Force reservists. You’d think that the Air Force would make this simple for you, however… not so much. The Air Force only has a convoluted download process for older Windows OS’s such as XP and Vista. The best route to take for this would be to purchase the software outright from a third party.
We recommend getting it from SCB Solutions. One download will provide you with the capabilities to install ActivClient on Windows 7, 8, or 10.
Marines
This includes reservists. Previously, the Marines had a download for the program on their MCNOSC… but they’ve since updated and removed the download. You’ll have to get this through an external purchase. Again, we recommend SCB Solutions. It’s super simple to get and will cover all your issues.
Coast Guard
This includes reservists. The Coast Guard currently has a download for ActivClient 6.1 on their portal. But this will only work for older OS’s such as XP and Vista. SO… just like the Marines and Air Force above, get it from SCB Solutions.
DOD Civilians
So as far as I know, there’s no portal for DoD Civvies where you can get ActivClient. Thankfully, you can buy the software from a third party vendor.
Please select a browser below to access instructions for configuring your browser to use the certificates on your CAC.
IE and Chrome
Steam trucker game fort lauderdale. First check whether your certificates are already available to your browser.
For Internet Explorer 8.0 and above:
- Navigate to Tools > Internet Options > Content and click Certificates.
- On the Personal tab, review the list of certificates to determine if your CAC certificates are in the list. The certificates on your CAC will be issued by a DoD CA.
- If the certificates appear in the list, you are finished. If the certificates do not appear in the list, please see the note below.
For Google Chrome:
- Navigate to Tools > Options > Under the Hood and click Manage Certificates in the HTTPS/SSL section.
- On the Personal tab, review the list of certificates to determine if your CAC certificates are in the list. The certificates on your CAC will be issued by a DoD CA.
- If the certificates appear in the list, you are finished. If the certificates do not appear in the list, please see the note below.
NOTE: If your certificates are not in the list and you’re using ActivClient, please make sure it is installed correctly. If your certificates are not in the list and you are using other middleware, you can contact your CC/S/A for more information on the middleware requirements for your organization. You can find their contact information on our Contact Us tab.
Download Software For Cac Card Reader
Firefox
Cac Card Reader Software For Mac
Below are complete instructions for using Firefox with your CAC. You may also download these instructions.
Install Certificates from InstallRoot
- Download and install the InstallRoot tool following the instructions in the InstallRoot User Guide or watch this video to learn how:
- Open the InstallRoot tool and select Firefox/Mozilla/Netscape from the Select Trust Store picklist at the bottom of the window.
- Ensure only the top Install DoD NIPRNET Certificates box is checked.
- Click the Install button and wait for the installation to complete. Please wait until you see a confirmation dialog indicating the tool is finished.
- Open Firefox
- Click on Tools > Options in the menu bar.
- In the Options window, go to Advanced > Encryption > Security Devices.
- In the new window, click on Load.
- Enter “ActivClient(CAC)” for the Module Name.
Click Browse to the right of the Module Filename field. Browse to the location of the ActivClient PKCS11 library, acpkcs211.dll. This is typically located at C:Program Files (x86)ActivIdentityActivClientacpkcs211.dll in ActivClient 6.2, and C:Windowssystem32acpkcs201-ns.dll in ActivClient 6.1 and earlier.
Click OK, and then OK again in the confirmation window.
- The confirmation message will show that the security device (CAC) was loaded. CAC certificates can now be used with the browser. Click OK to close the window.
- Open Firefox
- Click on Tools > Options in the menu bar.
- In the Options window, go to Advanced > Encryption > Validation.
- Ensure the option Use the OCSP to confirm the current validity of certificates is checked. Also ensure When an OCSP server connection fails, treat the certificate as invalid is checked.
Using Common Access Card (CAC) certificates in Firefox
These instructions will enable ActivIdentity’s ActivClient software to work within Firefox. Before proceeding, try to ensure the latest version of ActivClient is installed by going to the ActivClient website to check the latest version. Before installing the latest version, please uninstall any previous versions of ActivClient.
As of version 6.2, ActivClient by default configures Firefox to accept the CAC certificates without any additional configuration. You may use the following instructions to verify that it has been installed properly. If using an older version of ActivClient, these instructions will assist with proper configuration.
Ensure the Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP) is Performing Revocation Checking
With any versions of ActivClient later than 6.2, these settings will be automatically configured. However, these instructions can be used to confirm proper configuration for older versions of ActivClient.
Safari
To get started you will need:
- CAC (see note below)
- Card reader
You can get started using your CAC on your Mac OS X system by following these basic steps:
- Get a card reader
Typically Macs do not come with card readers and therefore an external card reader is necessary. At this time, the best advice for obtaining a card reader is through working with your home component. In addition, please review the DoD CAC Reader Specifications for more information regarding card reader requirements. - Download and install the OS X Smartcard Services package
The OS X Smartcard Services Package allows a Mac to read and communicate with a smart card. In order for your machine to recognize your CAC certificates and DoD websites as trusted, the installer will load the DoD CA certificates on OS X. Please refer to this page for specific installation instructions. - Address the cross-certificate chaining Issue
These instructions walk through adjusting the trust settings on the Interoperability Root CA (IRCA) > DoD Root CA 2 and the US DoD CCEB IRCA 1 > DoD Root CA 2 certificates to prevent cross-certificate chaining issues. This can make it appear that your certificates are issued by roots other than the DoD Root CA 2 and can prevent access to DoD websites. - Configure Chrome and Safari, if necessary
Safari and Google Chrome rely on Keychain Access properly recognizing your CAC certificates.- In Finder, navigate to Go > Utilities and launch KeychainAccess.app
- Verify that your CAC certificates are recognized and displayed in Keychain Access
Note: CACs are currently made of different kinds of card stock. To determine what card stock you have, look at the back of your CAC above the magnetic strip. Most CACs are supported by the Smartcard Services package, however Oberthur ID One 128 v5.5 CACs are not. Third party middleware is available that will support these CACS; two such options are Thursby Software’s PKard and Centrify’s Express for Smart Card.