Re: [Fed-Talk] Mac Book Pro and a CAC reader
Re: [Fed-Talk] Mac Book Pro and a CAC reader
- Subject: Re: [Fed-Talk] Mac Book Pro and a CAC reader
- From: Paul Nelson <email@hidden>
- Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2006 09:50:31 -0600
- Thread-topic: [Fed-Talk] Mac Book Pro and a CAC reader
Get a smartcard reader that uses the built in drivers, or comes with drivers
ready to install. I've used the following with success:
1) The old standby SCR331. Make sure the firmware is up to date
2) Axalto Reflex USB v3.0. This one just works. No fuss
3) Omnikey CardMan 3121. I like this one because mine has a weighted base
(get the heaviest base). It easily detaches from the base for mobile use.
On the down side, you need to install drivers for 10.3 and 10.4, but should
not need to install them for 10.5.
These readers are all cheap enough that you shouldn't think twice about
pitching one that doesn't work and getting one that does.
You will most likely run into problems with CAC access to certain web sites.
You will need to test to see if you can use the CAC for authentication to
mail services like Exchange. Many people have found this difficult, and
require passwords to authenticate to Exchange, then they can use the CAC for
signing and encrypting e-mail.
If you modified the authorization file, and your Mac still works, I would
not worry about changing it back.
Paul Nelson
Thursby Software Systems, Inc.
on 12/27/06 3:48 AM, Lawrence D Hare at email@hidden wrote:
> I apologize for what is probably an oft-repeated question but I need
> to be able to send encrypted and signed email from Mail on my Mac
> Book Pro (OS X 10.4.8). I have a DoD issued CAC and a Cherry USB
> reader which I use of my GFE system, this runs XP and works fine. I
> need to get it working on the Mac Book Pro.
>
> I downloaded the drivers for this device and started a build only the
> process requires use of "make" which is not on my machine, so that
> stymied me instantly. I am not adverse to buying a CAC reader
> specifically for the Mac (especially if I can get one more portable
> than this big old thing), I see there appear to be some that are plug
> and play, but I would like to find some recommendations or history
> from folks who have been successful in doing this.
>
> I note that there are posts that state that a guide-book to
> installing CAC readers on a Mac are, or were, being prepared; I
> cannot find where they may be however. Does anyone have any pointers?
>
> I also modified the authorization file on the Mac Book - before I
> realized I could not complete the driver build - and I have a backup
> of this. The Smart Card Setup Guide however notes that this is for
> "Smart Card Login" which is not something I need, all I need to do is
> enable email encryption and signing using the CAC certificate, for
> which I must first load it into Keychain, which as I note, I have
> been unable to do. Do I need to modify the authorization file if all
> I need is mail PKI access?
>
> Is there a definitive guide located anywhere for getting CAC readers
> to work on the Mac Book Pro, and are there recommendations for CAC
> readers that work natively maybe? What is the best way to get this
> working?
>
> Thanks - Lawrence
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