When it comes to installing your new CAC reader onto your home computer, there’s a doubt that installing on Mac is much more complicated. Often, you’ll need to install a CAC Enabler just for your Mac to recognize the hardware. But don’t worry in this handy guide, we’ll walk you through how to install a CAC enabler for Mac and which one to choose.
Aug 28, 2019 macOS Catalina, the newest version of the software that runs on the Mac, is set to come out in just a few weeks. MacOS updates don't often receive. What CAC Enabler Do You Need For Your OS? Catalina (10.15.x) If you’ve purchased a Mac with the Catalina OS installed, STOP RIGHT HERE. Catalina comes pre-equipped with a built-in CAC. Mojave (10.14.x) High Sierra (10.13.x) Sierra (10.12.x) El Capitan (10.11.x). Use a smart card with Mac Smart cards, such as U.S. Department of Defense Common Access Cards and the U.S. Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Cards, are access-control devices. You use a smart card to physically authenticate yourself in situations like these. MacOS Catalina User Guide: Complete Manual to Operate Your Mac Like a Pro for Seniors and New Users Analyst, Tech on Amazon.com.FREE. shipping on qualifying offers. MacOS Catalina User Guide: Complete Manual to Operate Your Mac Like a Pro for Seniors and New Users.
Here’s the thing…. Mac has many different OS’s which means that there are many different CAC enablers. And some will work for particularly OS’s only.
MUST READ IMPORTANT INFO BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Before you get started downloading and installing your CAC Enabler, there is some information that you need to be aware of:
- Only download and install ONE CAC Enabler. Multiple CAC Enablers can cause your CAC Card reader not to work. If you currently have an incorrect CAC enabler installed, you need to uninstall and remove it before getting the correct one. This includes built-in Smart Card Readers for the newer OS’s.
- Some of these CAC Enablers will ask for a Keychain Password. You should already have this information. It’s your CAC PIN. But before you enter this information, make sure you’ve already selected your CAC Certificate. And you need to use your full CAC pin. Failure to do so can actually lead to you getting locked out of your CAC Card. If this happens, you’ll have to go to your nearest ID Card Office or PSD to get it unblocked.
- After successfully installing your CAC Enabler, you need to restart your computer before trying to access any CAC protected site. This ensures that your computer has properly recognized and installed the CAC Enabler.
- Just because you’ve properly installed and set up your enabler, that doesn’t mean that it will work with all browsers–particularly Firefox. As popular of a browser it is, Firefox is notorious for not allowing CAC-protected sites to be accessed. This is why I recommend using Google Chrome. It has the least obstructions for you when it comes to using your CAC Reader.
What CAC Enabler Do You Need For Your OS?
In order to make sure that you download the right OS, be sure to use our handy Table of Contents to jump to the proper section.
And with that, let’s get your Mac system CAC Card ready!
Catalina (10.15.x)
If you’ve purchased a Mac with the Catalina OS installed, STOP RIGHT HERE.
If your display has an internal microphone, it’s listed as “Display Audio”.Do any of the following to adjust your sound input settings:.Adjust the input volume: Drag the volume slider.If you’re recording sound through your computer’s sound port, you can adjust the input volume to compensate for the sound source being too loud or quiet.For example, if you’re recording loud music, lower the input volume so the recorded sound isn’t too loud or distorted. .On your Mac, choose Apple menu System Preferences, click Sound, then click Input.Select the device you want to use in the list of sound input devices.All sound input devices available to your Mac are listed. https://sanbrown746.weebly.com/use-audio-port-for-input-mac-mojave.html. This option is not available if a 4-channel built-in microphone format is selected in Audio MIDI Setup. Or if you are recording someone who is speaking softly, increase the input volume so your Mac can better capture the person’s voice.Capture less background noise when using your computer’s built-in microphone: Select “Use ambient noise reduction”.
Catalina comes pre-equipped with a built-in CAC Enabler. This means you do not need to install a third-party program. If you do, it may interfere with your built-in enabler and cause your CAC to not be recognized. Just be sure that you have the proper DOD certificates installed.
But what if you purchased your Mac and then upgraded to the new system?
If you haven’t installed any third-party enablers, the built-in function should automatically start working. But if you have previously installed any third-party CAC enablers, you’re going to have to uninstall and completely remove those first.
Mojave (10.14.x)
Similar to the Catalina OS, Mojave also has a built-in Smart Card Reader. This means that a third-party CAC enabler program may not be necessary. So before downloading any other enabler, test out the built-in first–just make sure you have the proper DOD certificates needed.
If your Mojave’s built-in reader is not working, then you can proceed to pick up another CAC enabler. There are 4 verified readers that work for Mojave that we know of.
Each of these should work for any type of CAC Card.
High Sierra (10.13.x)
High Sierra is another Mac OS with a built-in Smart Card reader. However, unlike Mojave or Catalina, you cannot access CAC-protected sites through Safari. They are not supported through Safari in this OS.
You need to use Google Chrome for optimal results. If you are adamantly opposed to using Chrome, I’d recommend to go ahead and update your Mac OS to Mojave or Catalina (if supported). Afterwards, you should find you don’t need a CAC enabler as long as you have the proper certificates.
However, if things aren’t working out the way they should, you do have some options for third party CAC enablers.
These have been verified to work with High Sierra and with every CAC Card type we’ve come across.
Latest Rapport Version: 3.6.1945.78 Supported Operating Systems: Mac OS X Sierra (10.12) Mac OS X High Sierra (10.13) Mac OS X Mojave (10.14) Mac OS X Catalina (10.15) Supported Browsers: (Desktop mode only) Internet Explorer 10; Internet Explorer 11 on Win 7, 8.1 and 10; Google Chrome 80, 81, 83; Mozilla Firefox 76, 77, 78; Mozilla Firefox ESR 60. Trusteer rapport for mac mojave. Prior to the removal of Trusteer Rapport, you should first log into your Mac with an administrator account, and turn Trusteer Rapport off if it is running. To deactivate an app, right click its icon in the dock and select Quit option (or choose Trusteer Rapport Quit Trusteer Rapport on the Menu bar). Apr 14, 2019 Question: Q: trusteer.rapport will not uninstall on my mac I've tried sending the app to trash and it is still coming back. When I start up my computer a screen comes up saying thank you for installing trusteer.rapport with instructions to continue setting it up.
![Cac Enabler For Mac Catalina Cac Enabler For Mac Catalina](/uploads/1/3/3/2/133272610/429942668.jpg)
Sierra (10.12.x)
Sierra is the last of the Mac OS’s that has a built-in Smart Card Reader. However, you need to be aware that this reader will not function with the Safari browser even with the proper certificates.
You’ll need to utilize Google Chrome along with the proper DOD (or other) certificates.
There have been reports of the Sierra built-in CAC reader failing to operate properly. And in that case, you’re going to need to download one of these verified CAC enablers:
These CAC Enablers work with every type of CAC Card.
One thing to note is that if you decide to utilize PKard with Sierra, you need to make sure that you’re using PKard version 1.7 or higher.
El Capitan (10.11.x)
Unlike its newer OS counterparts, El Capitan does not come with a built-in smart card reader. You will be required to download and install a third-party program. Thankfully, there are 5 different CAC Enablers you can use.
One thing to note is that Smart Card Services will not work with all types of CAC Cards. If your CAC Card is designated as Oberthur ID One 128 v5.5a D, Smart Card Services cannot read it. You can find this information on the back of your CAC card itself near the magnetic strip.
This can be solved one of two ways. Either opt for a different enabler or get a new CAC Card.
Yosemite (10.10.x)
Yosemite requires a third-party enabler to be installed in order for your CAC Card to be recognized. There are 5 different verified options for Yosemite users:
Although a verified option, we recommend against using Smart Card Services. The reason for this is that Smart Card Services doesn’t accept all types of CAC Cards–particularly those labeled Oberthur ID One 128 v5.5a D.
Mavericks (10.9.x)
Mavericks is another Mac OS without a built-in Smart Card Reader. This means that you’re going to need to download a CAC Card Enabler. We’ve found five different platforms that work with this OS. https://sanbrown746.weebly.com/pioneer-ddj-sz-driver-for-mac-mojave.html.
However, we suggest steering clear of Smart Card Services if you’re carrying the Oberthur ID One 128 v5.5a D CAC Card. This enabler does not recognize this particular type of CAC Card.
Mountain Lion (10.8.x)
Since Mountain Lion OS has no built-in Smart Card Reader, you’ll have to avail of a third-party CAC Card Enabler. There are 5 different options to choose from for this platform.
However, if you’re using the CAC Card type, Oberthur ID One 128 v5.5a D, steer clear of Smart Card Services. They don’t recognize this type of card.
Lion (10.7.x)
Lion is one of Mac’s older operating systems. But that doesn’t mean you’re completely out of luck if need to use a CAC card on it. There are 4 different options you have.
It’s worth mentioning that if you are planning on using Smart Cards Services, ensure you don’t have an Oberthur ID One 128 v5.5a D CAC Card. The program doesn’t work with the typing.
Snow Leopard (10.6.x)
The first recommendation I have for Snow Leopard users is to upgrade their system as soon as possible. But if due to constraints you are unable to, there are still a few paths you can take when it comes to ensuring your CAC Card can be read.
Cac Enabler Windows 10
Just don’t opt for Smart Card Services if you’re using an Oberthur ID One 128 v5.5a D CAC Card.
Leopard (10.5.x)
If you’re still using Leopard, our first recommendation is to upgrade your OS immediately. However if you’re unable to, there’s still hope for using a CAC Card on your computer.
Your available options for CAC Card Enabler are:
However, TENS will only work if your computer has an Intel processor. It won’t work if you’re using a PPC. https://sanbrown746.weebly.com/blog/hp-scan-driver-for-mac-yosemite.
Again, the first recommendation for Leopard is not downloading a new CAC enabler but updating your system.
Our Top CAC Enabler Picks for All Operating Systems
Cac Enabler Program
When it comes to which enablers we like best, it boils down to two.
Cac Enabler For Mac Catalina Island
PKard and ActivClient for Mac.
Either one of these is compatible with just about every OS on this list–with the exception of Catalina (Be sure to use their built-in enabler.)
Plus they have vendor support. And that can be quite handy if you’re having issues with your CAC enabler. However, they don’t come free. ActivClient for Mac rings in at around $50 while PKard is available for around $40.
This article is intended for system administrators who set security policy in enterprise environments that require smart card authentication.
macOS includes a modern architecture that supports smart cards. This architecture is based on the CryptoTokenKit framework, which supports authentication, encryption, and signing functions, plus MDM controls for managing smart cards within Enterprise environments. Starting with macOS Catalina, legacy smart card support that uses TokenD will be disabled by default.
Before you upgrade to macOS Catalina
If you want to migrate from legacy TokenD to modern CryptoTokenKit-based smart card services after upgrading to macOS Catalina, follow these steps:
1. Make sure that any third-party apps that you use support CryptoTokenKit.
Acrobat DC, Acrobat 2020, Acrobat 2017, and Acrobat 2015 are compatible with the new macOS 10.15 Catalina. Major changes in user experience and known issues are described in this document. Acrobat 2015: If you download Classic 2015 Acrobat or Reader patches from the release notes or the FTP site. https://sanbrown746.weebly.com/adobe-acrobat-for-mac-catalina.html. Adobe will have an update to Acrobat Pro DC to resolve these compatibility issues. In the general case, Adobe absolutely does not support use of its software on either “development” or “beta” releases of operating systems, whether they be MacOS or Windows. Adobe Acrobat Reader for Mac has various features for viewing PDFs, however, it requires users to purchase its various functions. Therefore, if you are looking for great alternatives to free Abode Reader for Mac, let this post help you with choosing the right one! Oct 27, 2019 'Pre-August 2019 versions of Acrobat DC, Acrobat 2017, and Acrobat 2015 applications cannot be licensed on macOS 10.15 Catalina. Adobe recommends customers updating their Acrobat DC, Acrobat 2017, or Acrobat 2015 to the latest release.
2. Verify that
com.apple.CryptoTokenKit.pivtoken
doesn't appear in the output of this Terminal command:defaults read /Library/Preferences/com.apple.security.smartcard DisabledTokens
If it does, you can remove the PIV token from the DisabledTokens array by deleting the entire array:
defaults delete /Library/Preferences/com.apple.security.smartcard DisabledTokens
3. If you've installed a driver that relies on TokenD, use the developer's instructions to uninstall it.
If you have any issues using your smart card after upgrading to macOS Catalina, pair the card again. For additional instructions on configuring smart card services, see the macOS Deployment reference and the
SmartCardServices(7)
man page.