Learn How To Install Your Home CAC Reader In Minutes!

Find out which CAC reader is best for you with our list of recommended CAC readers!

Visit the USB Readers page to verify the CAC reader you have is Mac friendly 'Some, not all' CAC readers may need to have a small program installed to make it work. NOTE: Readers such as: SCR-331, GSR-202, GSR-202V, & GSR-203 could need firmware updates (NO OTHER Readers need firmware updates). CAC for a Mac is the ability to use a Department of Defense (DoD) common access card (CAC) on Apple Macintosh computers to access Web sites that require DoD certificate authentication. It was written to allow Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) users to access their NMCI e-mail.

Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to successfully install a CAC reader on your PC!

Make installing a CAC reader on your Mac a breeze with these simple instructions!

Your government issued CAC (or Common Access Card) is pretty invaluable when it comes to being your physical and electronic ID for DoD and other government purposes. However, that doesn't always mean it's convenient. Especially if you are required to access it at home.

And while there are many different actual readers available for you to purchase, they can be difficult and complicated to both properly install and use.

That's why we started HomeCACUse.com! We believe every DoD and government-issued employee should be able to easily access their information when they need it. So we're compiling a master resource for those who are looking for all things related to Home CAC Use--from the best card readers to how to install on Mac and PC.

CAC Reader / Smart Card Reader

The IOGEAR GSR202 is a TAA compliant USB Common Access Card Reader for military, government and even private sector workers who need everyday access to secure systems. Common Access Card (CAC) or Smart Card readers are used as a communications medium between the Smart Card and a host (e.g. a computer, point-of-sale terminal, network system, etc.) in secure systems such as those used by government, banking and health care.

IOGEAR's USB Common Access Card Readers require the card to be inserted directly into the reader where electrical contacts retrieve the data stored in the card’s chipset. IOGEAR’s physical contact readers are less prone to misalignment, which helps to eliminate the possibility of being misread.

What is a Smart Card or Common Access Card?

Often referred to as a Smart Card, the Common Access Card (or CAC) is the shape of a credit card, and is embedded with a data chip allowing specialized access. In addition to the embedded chip, Smart Cards are usually programmed with a PIN to ensure security for both the card holder and the system being accessed. Having reached tremendous adoption rates outside of the U.S., Smart Cards are now rapidly growing in this country to combat credit card fraud, while also providing the next generation of secure and user friendly identification. The federal government issues Common Access Cards programmed with a Personal Identification Verification (PIV) chip containing the data necessary for the cardholder to be properly identified and granted access to secure federal facilities and information systems. Smart Cards have been in use by the federal government in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) since 2006, and now the technology is rapidly spreading to banking, healthcare and other areas requiring identity verification and secured access.

What is FIPS 201?

FIPS 201 is a set of United States federal government technical standards and issuance policies specifying the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) requirements for federal employees and contractors. These standards dictate the manner by which authorized persons are granted physical and/or logistical access to federal government facilities and networks. IOGEAR’s Smart Card/Common Access Card readers are FIPS 201 compliant.

What is TAA Compliance?

Cac Card Reader For Mac

TAA compliance indicates that a specific product follows the requirements outlined in the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, basically stating that the product is made in either the United States or a designated country. The designated country list includes those entered into free trade agreement with the U.S., those that take part in the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement, those listed as a Least Developed Country (LDC), and others. Government purchase contracts, especially those for the Department of Defense, generally stipulate a product be TAA compliant in order to be considered for purchase. All of IOGEAR’s TAA compliant products meet the General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule requirements for government procurement. Additionally, several of these products are already listed on the GSA Approved Products List so government contractors, distributors and buying offices may refer to the following APL numbers listed below. Please also note that TAA compliance is not mandatory for all government agencies, so IOGEAR also offers a similar non-TAA compliant version of some products in order to provide lower pricing when TAA compliance is not required. For more information or questions about TAA compliance products, please contact us directly.

For a list of all IOGEAR TAA compliant products click here.

The following IOGEAR products are already listed on the GSA Schedule:
GSR202 USB Smart Card Reader: GSA APL #579
GSR203 Portable Smart Card Reader: GSA APL #693
GKBSR201 Keyboard w/Built-in Common Access Card Reader: GSA APL #612

Best Cac Reader For Mac

For a list of all IOGEAR TAA compliant products click here.

Cac Reader For Mac

The following IOGEAR products are already listed on the GSA Schedule:
GSR202 USB Smart Card Reader GSA APL #579
GSR203 Portable Smart Card ReaderGSA APL #693
GKBSR201 Keyboard w/Built-in Common Access Card ReaderGSA APL #612

Install Cac Card Reader For Mac