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. 1Plug the reader into your computer's USB port.
  2. 2Windows will automatically detect the device and install the driver.
  3. 3A green LED on the reader confirms the driver is installed and running.
  4. 4If 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.