CAC Readers

Smart Cards are the next step in convenience and security

Common access card (CAC) is a United States Department of Defense (DoD) Smart Card issued as standard identification for active-duty military personnel.

CAC is used as a general identification card as well as for authentication to enable access to DoD computers, networks, and certain DoD facilities. It also serves as an identification card under the Geneva Conventions.

CAC enables encrypting and cryptographically signing email, facilitating the use of PKI authentication tools, and establishes an authoritative process for the use of identity credentials.

Smart Card readers are used as a communications medium between the Smart Card and a host (e.g. a computer, a point-of-sale terminal).

A Smart Card is a small portable credit-card shaped pocket-sized card with embedded integrated circuits or IC chips which can process data. The combination of the small size and IC make them a valuable tool for security, data storage, and other special applications.

The use of Smart Cards can improve user security by combining something a user has (the Smart Card) with something only the user should know (a PIN). This provides two factor security that is more secure than passwords alone.