5 best cac card readers

A Common Access Card (CAC) reader, also known as a smart card reader or CAC card reader, is a device used to read information stored on CAC cards, which are smart cards issued to members of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies. CAC cards contain personal identification information and digital certificates that allow individuals to access secure systems and facilities. Here's what you need to know about CAC card readers:

Purpose: CAC card readers are primarily used for authentication and secure access control. They play a crucial role in verifying the identity of individuals seeking access to sensitive information, systems, and facilities.
Compatibility: CAC card readers are designed to work with various computing devices, including desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices. They can connect to computers via USB ports or other standard interfaces.
Card Types: CAC cards come in different versions, such as CAC, PIV (Personal Identity Verification), and PIV-I (PIV-Interoperable), each with specific security features and capabilities. CAC card readers are typically designed to support multiple card types to ensure compatibility.
Authentication Process: To use a CAC card reader, an individual inserts their CAC card into the reader. The reader then accesses the information on the card's embedded chip, which includes biometric data, digital certificates, and personal data. The user may also need to enter a PIN as part of the authentication process.
Security: CAC card readers are designed with security in mind. They employ encryption and advanced authentication protocols to ensure that only authorized individuals gain access to secured systems and data.
Government and Military Use: CAC card readers are extensively used within the U.S. government and military for secure access to classified information, secure networks, and controlled facilities.They are a critical component of the DoD's Common Access Card program.
Commercial Applications: Beyond government and military use, CAC card readers have found applications in the private sector for secure access control, particularly in industries with stringent security requirements, such as healthcare, finance, and critical infrastructure.
Access Control Software: CAC card readers often require specific access control software to interface with a computer or network. This software manages the authentication process and ensures compliance with security policies.
Mobile CAC Readers: Some CAC card readers are designed for use with mobile devices, allowing military and government personnel to access secure systems and data while on the go.
Vendor Varieties: Several vendors manufacture CAC card readers, offering a range of models with varying features and compatibility options. Choosing the right reader depends on the specific requirements of the organization and the devices it needs to support.

In summary, CAC card readers are critical tools for secure authentication and access control, primarily used by government and military organizations. They enable individuals to prove their identity and gain access to secure systems and facilities, ensuring the protection of sensitive information and resources.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best cac card readers on the market

Identiv SCR3310v2.0 USB Smart Card Reader

Identiv

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

FULLY COMPLIANT - Complies with all major industry standards, including ISO/IEC 7816, USB CCID, PC/SC, and Microsoft WHQL. As well as, EMV 2011 Ver 4.3 Level 1 and GSA FIPS 201.
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION - With Identiv-specific SmartOS you’ll get easy, complete support of all major contact smart card ICs and technologies in one simple reader.
UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY - Works with virtually all contact chip cards and PC operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, Linux and Android.
FAST AND CONVENIENT- Shorten your transaction time with a reader that’s optimized for speed. It’s ultra-compact and robust design is streamlined for mobile operation, making this reader the best choice for convenience, security and reliability.
STRONG SECURITY - Ideally suited for use in high-security federal government applications, online banking and credit card payment apps, Windows authentication and Single Sign-On (SSO), Network login, and much more.
Interfaces & Connections: 1 x USB - 4 pin USB Type A
PC Compatibility: Win; Linux; Mac OS

User questions & answers

Question:	When i insert my cac, the light turns on for a few seconds, then off. it no longer reads my cac. does that mean this is broken? my certs are good
Answer:	I have the same issue I think it has to do with the settings on the computer. But I'm not sure
Question:	I was looking for the scm microsystems scr3310/v2 usb cac smart card reader, is this the same? i don't recognize your brand name
Answer:	Same product. SCM is now Identiv.
Question:	I bought my reader and it does not work for mac... is there a website i need to use to download a software for it to work
Answer:	For military CAC go to: https://militarycac.com it has all the answers, links, videos and software your heart desires. I some this one reader on 3 machines: Windows 7 and 10, and Mac. It even works on my Windows Virtual Machines running on my Mac as well. It works just dandy!
Question:	Will this work for CAC cards
Answer:	It works with CACs (common access cards).. but not CAC cards (Common access card cards). Not sure if they have the software yet for the card cards.

saicoo DOD Military USB Common Access CAC Smart Card Reader, Compatible with Mac Os, Win (Horizontal Version)

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

DOD Military CAC USB Smart Card Reader for Government ID, National ID, ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email etc. CAC Cards
Compatible with Windows (32/64bit) XP/Vista/ 7/8/10, Mac OS X
Sleek ergonomic design -gloss black finish. Piv and EMS ready. ISO7816 Class A, B and C.
Compatible with US Military and Government DOD ID cards for secure login; And RECOMMENDED by militarycac
What you get: saicoo CAC USB smart card Reader, CD driver, 18-month and lifetime technical support.

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this device read/scan all military id
Answer:	I'm not sure, but at least I don't loose to much hair anymore
Question:	Will this saicoo reader work with the MyPay website
Answer:	This smells very fishy and has a fishy after-taste, despite mixing into other drinks. I tried putting it in coffee, smoothies, etc but realized it’s better to just chug quickly after dissolving in hot water. Then, I can still enjoy my cup of coffee.
Question:	what is the capcity of sd card gb that this device can read
Answer:	Product description only says type 1 collagen, which is what helps hair, skin, and nails. Type 2 collagen isn't noted and helps joint health. Also this product does not mention being hydrolyzed.
Question:	When "safely removing" the device on windows, do I have to unplug the entire reader, or just the SD card
Answer:	Label mentions only tilapia and two types of snapper.

Zoweetek Smart Card Reader DOD Military USB Common Access CAC, Compatible with Windows, Mac OS and Linux

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Advanced Realtek Chipset; PIV, EMS, ISO-7816 & EMV2 2000 Level 1, CE, FCC, VCCI and Microsoft WHQL certifications.
Supports ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email and etc. CAC chip cards
Sleek ergonomic flat design, precise slot, convenient to horizontally plug card
Compatible with Windows 98/Me/2000/NT 4.0/XP/CE/Vista/7/8/8.1/10, Linux and Mac OS.
New generation DOD Military CAC USB smart chip card reader, no firmware upgrade requirements

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this work with the new Mac Pro iTouch
Answer:	as in fast foosball? if so, yes.
Question:	is it compatible with Mac OS
Answer:	No, but I wouldn't advise trying to sip anything out of these shoes, especially not champagne.
Question:	Will this work with pos system to process credit cards. i use usa epay to process cards and want a chip reader
Answer:	Mine were manufactured in Vietnam.
Question:	Does this work to access NKO and mypay
Answer:	Yes, they are removable. Great shoes!! Light and comfortable. I'm getting another pair for sure. Good luck

Product features

NOTE:

DOD and USG users need a third-party CAC Enabler program.
Java is necessary for MAC user. Please install Java firstly on Java's official website.
SIM Card can be compatible with Windows Only.
If no disk drive, please download driver on our website.
The mini driver disk provided in the package can't be used on slot-load drive, which lead to failure of reading it.

Belkin USB Smart Card and CAC Reader

Check latest price

Product description

The Belkin F1DN008U contact smart card reader is designed for the needs of a wide variety of card authentication applications. Compliant with major industry standards including FIPS-201, ISO/IEC 7816, USB CCID, and Microsoft WHQL, the Belkin F1DN008U contact smart card reader works across multiple operating systems and contact smart cards. Designed for card authentication applications, the Belkin F1DN008U contact smart card reader comes in a plastic enclosure that augments most desktops. The cost effective design also helps protect electronics and uses only Read-Only Memory (ROM) for the firmware. Similar to other Belkin desktop products, an attractive ID designed to be unobtrusive to the user is provided. The reader can be associated to a given computer in order to reduce operator error when working across multiple computers on a desktop.

Compliant with TAA and FIPS-201 certified cards
Broad Support for Standard Smart Cards. ISO 7816 Class A/B/C compliant; 5V, 3V, 1.8V
Full support for Microsoft WHQL, Microsoft HCK, and USB CCID for out-of-box compatibility with no additional software or drivers required
Appropriate for local desktop use
3 year warranty

Type C Smart Card Reader Saicoo DOD Military USB-C Common Access CAC Card Reader, Compatible with Windows (32/64bit) XP/Vista/ 7/8/10, Mac OS X

Based on 549 reviews Check latest price

DOD Military CAC USB-C/Type C Smart Card Reader for Government ID, National ID, ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email etc. CAC Cards
Compatible with windows (32/64bit) XP/Vista/ 7/8/10, Mac OS X
Sleek Ergonomic Design -Gloss Black Finish. PIV and EMS ready.ISO7816 Class A,B and C.
Compatible with US Military and Government DOD ID cards for secure login
What You Get: Saicoo CAC USB-C Smart Card Reader, CD driver, 18-month warranty and lifetime technical support.

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this work with Samsung tablets
Answer:	Only for mascara.
Question:	Will this work with the new macbook pro with touch bar? it doesn’t have a disk drive
Answer:	I use my normal skin color for foundation, a little concealer, then the best part is using a while finishing powder on under eye area then lightly dust the rest of my face. It brightens you skin& covers the dark areas well. Good luck.
Question:	Will this work with a samsung s
Answer:	I use this as both a Primer & Moisturizer. It’s pretty thick so it doesn’t take much especially if you have oily skin. If you have extremely dry skin you should continue to moisturize as usual. A little goes a long way!
Question:	Has anyone used this on a 12.9” ipad pro, using a cac card? i have a c connector on my ipad
Answer:	It's a white cream that disappears when you put it on, just like face cream. You can't see it. If you wear makeup, you will want to use it before you put your makeup on. I also use it at night. I'm very happy with it!

Product features

Latest USB C/ Type-C Connection

Smart card reader is an easy-to-install USB-C device suited for all contact smart card operations like online-banking or digital signature applications.

RECOMMENDED by a third 'militarycac'