NOTE:

Between mid October 2019 and mid February 2020 everyone in the Army was migrated to use their PIV Authentication certificate for Email access. You no longer use the Email certificate for Enterprise Email or any CAC enabled websites

Mac users who choose to upgrade (or already have upgraded) to Mac OS Catalina (10.15.x) or Big Sur (11.xx.x) will need to uninstall all 3rd Party CAC enablers per https://militarycac.com/macuninstall.htm AND reenable the native smart card ability (very bottom of macuninstall link above)

Oct 14, 2011 How to surf the web with military-grade security. By Mike Williams 14 October 2011. (PC or Mac) via either a CD or USB flash drive. It includes Firefox, a PDF viewer, Java and more, everything. Jul 17, 2018 Encrypt Stick runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. With EncryptStick's 100% secure data-privacy management software you'll be able to: easily and securely backup your files to your computer, other devices, or the cloud; synchronize at a click, those files you wish to have on all your local and remote devices; Windows, Mac or Linux.

If you purchased your Mac with OS Catalina (10.15.x) or Big Sur (11.xx.x) already installed, you can skip the uninstall part above and follow the instructions below.

6 'high level' steps needed, follow down the page to make this a painless systematic process

Step 1: Is your CAC reader Mac friendly?

Visit the USB Readers page to verify the CAC reader you have is Mac friendly.

Visit the USB-C Readers page to verify the CAC reader you have is Mac friendly.

'Some, not all' CAC readers may need to have a driver installed to make it work.

NOTE: Readers such as: SCR-331 & SCR-3500A may need a firmware update (NO OTHER Readers need firmware updates).

Information about these specific readers are in Step 2

Step 2: Can your Mac 'see' the reader?

Plug the CAC reader into an open USB port before proceeding, give it a few moments to install

Step 2a: Click the Apple Icon in the upper left corner of the desktop, select 'About This Mac'

Step 2b: Click 'System Report...' (button)

Step 2c: Verify the CAC reader shows in Hardware, USB, under USB Device Tree. Different readers will show differently, most readers have no problem in this step. See Step 2c1 for specific reader issues.

Step 2c1: Verify firmware version on your SCR-331, SCR-3310 v.20, GSR-202, 202V, 203, or SCR-3500a reader. If you have a reader other than these 6, Proceed directly to step 3

Step 2c1a-SCR-331 reader

If your reader does not look like this, go to the next step.

In the 'Hardware' drop down, click 'USB.' On the right side of the screen under 'USB Device Tree' the window will display all hardware plugged into the USB ports on your Mac. Look for “SCRx31 USB Smart Card Reader.” If the Smart Card reader is present, look at 'Version' in the lower right corner of this box: If you have a number below 5.25, you need to update your firmware to 5.25. If you are already at 5.25, your reader is installed on your system, and no further hardware changes are required. You can now Quit System Profiler and continue to Step 3.

Step 2c1b-SCR-3310 v2.0 reader

If your reader does not look like this, go to the next step.

In the 'Hardware' drop down, click 'USB.' On the right side of the screen under 'USB Device Tree' the window will display all hardware plugged into the USB ports on your Mac. Look for “SCR3310 v2.0 USB Smart Card Reader.” If the Smart Card reader is present, look at 'Version' in the lower right corner of this box: If you have a number below 6.02, it will not read the 'G+D FIPS 201 SCE 7.0' CAC on Mac OS 11.xx.x or 10.15.7. I contacted HID (the company that makes these readers) on 14 DEC 2020 to find a way to update the firmware to 6.02. They said there is not firmware update for the reader. If your reader is older, you may need a new one. Please look at: https://militarycac.com/usbreaders.htm to find a compatible one. If you are already at version 6.02, your reader should work fine on your Mac and no further hardware changes are required. You can now Quit System Profiler and continue to Step 3.

Step 2c1c-SCR-3500A reader

If you have the SCR3500A P/N:905430-1 CAC reader,you may need to install this driver, as the one that installs automatically will not work on most Macs. Hold the control key [on your keyboard] when clicking the .pkg file [with your mouse], select [the word] Open

Step 3: Verify which version of MacOS you have?

(You need to know this information for step 6)

Step 3a: Click the Apple Icon in the upper left corner of your desktop and select 'About This Mac'

Step 3b: Look below Mac OS X for: Example: Version 10.X.X, or 11.X

Step 4: Figure out which CAC (ID Card) you have

(You need to know this information for step 6)

Look at the top back of your ID card for these card types. If you have any version other than the six shown below, you need to visit an ID card office and have it replaced. All CACs [other than these six] were supposed to be replaced prior to 1 October 2012.

Find out how to flip card over video

Step 5: Install the DoD certificates (for Safari and Chrome Users)

Go to Keychain Access

Click: Go (top of screen), Utilities, double click Keychain Access.app

(You can also type: keychain access using Spotlight (this is my preferred method))

Select login (under Keychains),and All Items (under Category).

Download the 5 files via links below (you may need to <ctrl> click, select Download Linked File As... on each link) Save to your downloads folder

Please know... IF You have any DoD certificates already located in your keychain access, you will need to delete them prior to running the AllCerts.p7b file below.

https://militarycac.com/maccerts/AllCerts.p7b,

https://militarycac.com/maccerts/RootCert2.cer,

https://militarycac.com/maccerts/RootCert3.cer,

https://militarycac.com/maccerts/RootCert4.cer, and

Double click each of the files to install certificates into the login section of keychain

Select the Kind column, verify the arrow is pointing up, scroll down to certificate, look for all of the following certificates:

DOD EMAIL CA-33 through DOD EMAIL CA-34,

DOD EMAIL CA-39 through DOD EMAIL CA-44,

DOD EMAIL CA-49 through DOD EMAIL CA-52,

DOD EMAIL CA-59,

DOD ID CA-33 through DOD ID CA-34,

DOD ID CA-39 through DOD ID CA-44,

DOD ID CA-49 through DOD ID CA-52,

DOD ID CA-59

DOD ID SW CA-35 through DOD ID SW CA-38,

DOD ID SW CA-45 through DOD ID SW CA-48,

DoD Root CA 2 through DoD Root CA 5,

DOD SW CA-53 through DOD SW CA-58, and

DOD SW CA-60 through DOD SW CA-61

NOTE: If you are missing any of the above certificates, you have 2 choices,

1. Delete all of them, and re-run the 5 files above, or

2. Download the allcerts.zip file and install each of the certificates you are missing individually.

Errors:

Error 100001 Solution

Error 100013 Solution

You may notice some of the certificates will have a red circle with a white X . This means your computer does not trust those certificates

You need to manually trust the DoD Root CA 2, 3, 4, & 5 certificates

Double click each of the DoD Root CA certificates, select the triangle next to Trust, in the When using this certificate: select Always Trust, repeat until all 4 do not have the red circle with a white X.

You may be prompted to enter computer password when you close the window

Once you select Always Trust, your icon will have a light blue circle with a white + on it.

The 'bad certs' that have caused problems for Windows users may show up in the keychain access section on some Macs. These need to be deleted / moved to trash.

The DoD Root CA 2 & 3 you are removing has a light blue frame, leave the yellow frame version. The icons may or may not have a red circle with the white x

If you have tried accessing CAC enabled sites prior to following these instructions, please go through this page before proceeding

Clearing the keychain (opens a new page)

Please come back to this page to continue installation instructions.

Step 5a: DoD certificate installation instructions for Firefox users

NOTE: Firefox will not work on Catalina (10.15.x), or last 4 versions of Mac OS if using the native Apple smartcard ability

Download AllCerts.zip, [remember where you save it].

double click the allcerts.zip file (it'll automatically extract into a new folder)

Option 1 to install the certificates (semi automated):

From inside the AllCerts extracted folder, select all of the certificates

<control> click (or Right click) the selected certificates, select Open With, Other...

In the Enable (selection box), change to All Applications

Select Firefox, then Open

You will see several dozen browser tabs open up, let it open as many as it wants..

You will eventually start seeing either of the 2 messages shown next

If the certificate is not already in Firefox, a window will pop up stating 'You have been asked to trust a new Certificate Authority (CA).'

Check all three boxes to allow the certificate to: identify websites, identify email users, and identify software developers

or

'Alert This certificate is already installed as a certificate authority.' Click OK

Once you've added all of the certificates...
• Click Firefox (word) (upper left of your screen)
• Preferences
• Advanced (tab)
• Press Network under the Advanced Tab
• In the Cached Web Content section, click Clear Now (button).
• Quit Firefox and restart it

Option 2 to install the certificates (very tedious manual):

Click Firefox (word) (upper left of your screen)

Preferences

Advanced (tab on left side of screen)

Certificates (tab)

View Certificates (button)

Authorities (tab)

Import (button)

Browse to the DoD certificates (AllCerts) extracted folder you downloaded and extracted above.

Note: You have to do this step for every single certificate

Note2: If the certificate is already in Firefox, a window will pop up stating: 'Alert This certificate is already installed as a certificate authority (CA).' Click OK

Note3: If the certificate is not already in Firefox, a window will pop up stating 'You have been asked to trust a new Certificate Authority (CA).'

Check all three boxes to allow the certificate to: identify websites, identify email users, and identify software developers

Once you've added all of the certificates...
• Click Firefox (word) (upper left of your screen)
• Preferences
• Advanced (tab)
• Press Network under the Advanced Tab
• In the Cached Web Content section, click Clear Now (button).
• Quit Firefox and restart it

Step 6: Decide which CAC enabler you can / want to use

Only for Mac El Capitan (10.11.x or older)

After installing the CAC enabler, restart the computer and go to a CAC enabled website

NOTE: Mac OS Sierra (10.12.x), High Sierra (10.13.x), Mojave (10.14.x) or Catalina (10.15.x) computers no longer need a CAC Enabler.

File Encryption Software For Mac

Try to access the CAC enabled site you need to access now

Mac support provided by: Michael Danberry

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and as the name suggests it gives you access to the internet through a private network. Here we’ve listed some of the best VPN software for Mac that you should give a try. There are many free VPN software available in the market, but we prefer to list only paid ones as freeware usually comes with toolbars and other unwanted things. Without wasting any further time, let’s check out the list.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN tops the list given the security claim made by the company. The company says they are neither based on EU or US jurisdiction and thus, have no obligation of sharing any information to anyone. In fact, they claim they don’t store anything about your browsing, so even if you ask for history, they cannot provide it. In addition, military-grade encryption is used to deliver impeccable security.

With the paid version, you can secure up to 6 devices, regardless of the OS it uses. On top of that, there is a browser extension available that can come in handy on your Mac. Android and iOS app can help you secure your mobile browsing. The company has more than 5000 servers across 62 countries providing high-speed internet and also a wide range of location options. It is undoubtedly one of the best VPN apps for Mac.

2. Surfshark

Unlike many other VPN service providers, Surfshark stands out with its amazing features. And the glaring one is Netflix compatibility. While most VPNs allow US and UK consumers to access Netflix, Surfshark permits users in nine other countries to watch Netflix on their devices. And these countries are Australia, Canada, German, France, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and South Korea.

Since the VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, it doesn’t log your activities. The VPN service doesn’t collection anything except for your email ID and billing information. The service protects your IP addresses (incoming-outgoing), downloading or purchasing history, VPN servers, bandwidth, session information, connection timestamps, and network traffic.

3. ProtonVPN

Best Encryption Software For Mac

ProtonVPN is a Switzerland-based VPN service provider, which has installed its servers in more than 500 locations across 41 countries. Your Internet browsing is protected by this VPN with its Secure Core architecture. This architecture routes your traffic through a number of servers before it leaves your network.

To secure your privacy, ProtonVPN has analyzed 118 VPN logging policies, and then it has prepared its no-logs policy. Unlike other VPN services that reduce your Internet surfing speed, ProtonVPN ensures you get the best speed on your Mac, iPhones, and iPads. A notable feature of this VPN is it unblocks Netflix in all countries. Check out the detailed review.

4. Ivacy

Ivacy has a very easy to use interface. Just select the country from the drop-down list and click on the button, it’s that simple. There is no loss of internet speed as the company has over 1000 servers in 100+ locations around the globe. It uses the best-in-class 256-bit encryption to secure your data over the internet.

Encryption Software For Mac

The company also has a strict NO LOG policy, and that means, none of your browsing activity is logged anywhere. Lastly, there’s a 30-days money-back guarantee.

5. Cyber Ghost

Cyber Ghost VPN for Mac offers a one-click feature to hide your IP address and secure your browsing. It automatically selects the best server to get the best internet speeds. The company has more than 3000 servers worldwide; this lets you access geo-restricted content with ease.

When it comes to security, Cyber Ghost does not maintain logs and all the data is processed through 256-bit AES encryption. You can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously regardless of the OS they use. Lastly, there’s also a 45-days money-back guarantee available, if you are not happy with the purchase.

6. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is yet another famous name when it comes to VPN service providers. The company has 2000+ servers globally. It provides unlimited bandwidth, without throttling; you hardly notice any difference in internet speed. As long as security is concerned, this too does not maintain any logs of your browsing activity.

On top of that, it protects from hacking and surveillance with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, kill switch, and split tunneling. Lastly, there’s a 30-days money-back guarantee if you aren’t happy with the service.

7. IPVanish

IPVanish has 1100+ servers across 60+ countries with 40000+ shared IPs. With these resources, you’ll get high internet speeds without compromising your privacy and browsing history. The company, like all other service providers, does not maintain any activity log, and thus, your browsing activity is safe and sound.

This too uses 256-bit AES encryption, making sure the information you send is safe from hackers and surveillance. It supports up to 10 devices simultaneously with unlimited switching between servers.

8. Vyprvpn

Vyprvpn is a little different compared to others on the list. That’s because the company claims to run their own network with their own physical hardware and maybe that’s the reason the company has 700 servers across 70 different countries. Running their private network has its own benefits, they can optimize internet speed in a much better way compared to their counterparts.

When it comes to security, it uses strong encryption, protecting your details from surveillance and hackers. Lastly, you can customize connection behavior on a per-app basis on your Mac.

9. PrivateInternetAccess

PrivateInternetAccess VPN for Mac has 3223 servers precisely at 52 locations across 33 countries. The company uses only bare-metal servers for enhanced security. It also blocks ads, trackers, and malware while it is turned on. You can connect up to 5 devices using a single account simultaneously.

When it comes to speed, it offers unlimited bandwidth at high speeds to give you a flawless browsing experience. Lastly, there’s a 7-days money-back guarantee.

That’s all!

Signing Off

Before few years, VPN was only for specific users as cyber threats were not so much. But now, it has become a necessity even for average internet users. Don’t let your private information float around on the internet, use a VPN now.

You might also like to read this:

File Encryption Software For Mac

Which VPN you use on your Mac and why? Do share your valuable insights by commenting below.

Military Grade Encryption Software For Mac And Windows

Jignesh Padhiyar is the co-founder of iGeeksBlog.com who has a keen eye for news, rumors and all the unusual stuff that happens around Apple products. During his tight schedule, Jignesh finds some moments of respite to share side-splitting contents on social media.

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