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. People also search for. Facilitate secure, authorized access to restricted systems with this IOGEAR USB-C smart card reader. Its reversible interface enables smooth connectivity to a compatible new-generation laptop and provides high-speed performance when authenticating CAC and PIV cards.
Not all CAC readers are built the same. And that goes for compliance too. While they may work for your purpose, only a few smart card readers out there are actually TAA compliant. So if you’re looking for a top notch CAC reader that is compliant with most security protocols, keep reading this review!
The IOGEAR CAC Reader definitely catches our eye as one of the best smart card readers on the market today.
Not only does the GSR202 have TAA compliance, but it’s FIPS-201 compliant also. This means that this CAC card reader is trusted by the US federal government to read and maintain your data. But it’s more than just a bunch of fancy certifications. This IOGEAR CAC reader is fast and efficient.
It operates at a speed of 825 kbps in order to deliver fast responses and minimize your waiting times. The reader is also designed for maximum connect-ability between your card and the reader itself. The electrical contacts inside the reader have been specifically placed to prevent any misreadings of your CAC and untimely disconnections.
Frequently Asked Questions About the IOGEAR GSR202 CAC Reader
What Operating Systems can I use this CAC Reader with?
This IOGEAR CAC Reader can be used for both Mac and Windows OS.
Does this CAC Reader have a warranty?
Yes! The IOGEAR GSR202 is backed by a three year warranty and free lifetime technical support.
What does TAA compliant mean?
TAA compliance means that a specific product has met the requirements of the Trade Agreement Act of 1979–essentially stating that the product is American-made or produced in an authorized designated country. In order for the US government to directly purchase goods, they generally have to be TAA compliant. This develops a modicum of trust between the producer and the government itself.
What does FIPS-201 compliant mean?
FIPS-201 (or Federal Information Processing Standard Publication 201) is a federal government standard designed to ensure the Personal Identity Verification of government employees or others. To learn more on this, click HERE!
Here are the steps on how to install a CAC Reader for Mac:- Ensure your CAC reader works with Mac
- Check to ensure your Mac accepts the reader
- Check your Mac OS version
- Check your CAC’s version
- Update your DOD certificates
- Guidance for Firefox Users
- Look at graphs to see which CAC enabler to use
Step 1: Purchase a Mac Friendly CAC Reader
Purchase a CAC reader that works for your Mac. There are only a couple that you can choose from and I’ve listed them below.
If you already have a CAC reader and it isn’t Mac friendly, you could update the firmware, however, for the non-tech savvy people out there, it’s probably better to just purchase a new one and save the headache – they’re only ~$11-13 dollars.
Best Mac Compatible CAC USB Readers
Best Mac Compatible CAC Desk Readers
Step 2: Plug in and Ensure It’s Accepted
Once you have your CAC reader, plug it into your Mac and ensure your computer recognizes it. If you have one of the CAC readers we suggested above, then you should be good to go.
If for some reason your CAC reader isn’t working, you may need to download the appropriate drivers for your CAC reader. You can find these drivers on the Reader’s Manufacturer Website.
Step 3: Update Your DOD Certificates
Now that you have your CAC reader connected and accepted on your Mac computer, it’s time to ensure you have the right certificates in order to access DOD CAC required web pages.
Procedure for Chrome and Safari
- Type ⇧⌘U (Shift + Command + U) to access your Utilities
- Find and Double click “Keychain Access”
- Select “Login” and “All Items”
- Download the following five files and double click each once downloaded so as to install in your Keychain Access.
- When you double-click the Mac Root Cert 3 and 4, you’ll need to tell your browser to always trust them. Click the button like you see below:
Additional Steps for Firefox
If you’re using Mozilla Firefox as your primary browser, you’re going to need to perform some additional steps. First, perform the same steps that you did for Chrome and Safari. Afterwards, follow these additional steps to get started.
*If you’re having issues downloading the zip file below, try right clicking the link and opening the file in a new tab.
- Download All Certs zip and double click to unzip all 39 files
- While in Firefox, click “Firefox” on the top left, then “Preferences”
- Then Click “Advanced” > “Certificates” > “View Certificates”
- Then Click “Authorities” and then “Import”
- Import each file individually from the “AllCerts” folder. When you do this, the below box will popup. Check all three boxes and click “OK”
Step 4: Download and install CAC Enabler
Choosing the right CAC enabler can be pretty tricky. It all depends on what OS you have installed, how you installed it, and even what kind of CAC Card you have!
In order to get the right enabler, be sure to visit our trusty guide to Mac CAC Enablers! It’ll walk you through exactly which enabler is right for you.
CAC Access at Home Success
Now that you have a CAC reader, certificates, and a CAC Enabler, you should now be able to access any CAC-enabled website and log on using your CAC password and data.
Common Reasons Why Your CAC Card Won’t Work On Your Mac
Ensure Your CAC Card Meets the Standards: In order for your CAC card to work, it must meet the minimal requirements. Currently, there are only four types of CAC cards that can be used. The ensure you have the right CAC card for online access, flip your CAC card to the back and if you have one of the below numbers written on the top left, then you are good to go:
- G&D FIPS 201 SCE 3.2
- Oberthur ID one 128 v5.5 Dual
- GEMALTO DLGX4-A 144
- GEMALTO TOP DL GX4 144
Iogear Cac Reader For Mac
If you do not have any of the above written on the back, then proceed to your nearest PSD to get a new CAC card issued.