CAC & PIV

Common Access Card
information

Everything you need to know about setting up and using your CAC or PIV card with your Idaxis® reader.

On this page

1

Installing your reader

All Idaxis® SecurePIV readers are 100% compatible with CAC and PIV cards. Installation is straightforward:

  1. 1 Plug the reader into your computer's USB port.
  2. 2 Windows will automatically detect the device and install the driver.
  3. 3 A green LED on the reader confirms the driver is installed and running.
  4. 4 If Windows does not recognize the reader, download the driver from our Support page.

Note: The driver does not display a smart card icon in the system tray. That icon comes from your CAC/PIV middleware software, not the reader driver.

2

Using your CAC/PIV card

Your CAC or PIV card contains cryptographic credentials that identify and authenticate you. To use the card on your PC you will need middleware software — a specialized program that acts as a bridge between the card and your applications.

This middleware software:

  • Interfaces with PKI credentials stored on the card
  • Enables login to government networks and applications
  • Manages digital signatures and encryption
3

CAC/PIV middleware

Middleware is provided by your organization's IT department — it is not included with the reader. Each Army installation has been provided a specific number of middleware licenses.

For information about your installation's middleware licenses, contact your local Director of Information Management (DOIM) or IT support.

Home use note: Only your local command can authorize the use of CAC middleware on personal (non-government) computers. Contact your installation DOIM for guidance.