News, commentary, photos, Sequestration, budget
An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News header

CONTENT CHANGE NOTICE

Content on this site has been reviewed and removed to align with the president's executive orders and DoD priorities in accordance with DoD Instruction 5400.17. MORE DETAILS HERE.

Citizen Airmen Link Button

Airman Magazine Link Button

DoD News

Also available on App

 

Behind the Wing Graphic

News Search

Warning about third party apps for CAC scanning

  • Published
  • By Col. Donald Grannan
  • Air Mobility Command Director of Communications and Chief Information Office
The AF has been informed of a new app available in the Google Play store for Android devices: "CACScan". This application can compromise personal identifiable information. It is designed to scan the bar code on the front of a military CAC and provide you a read out of the personal data including the name, SSN, DOD ID number, etc. Apps like "CACScan" have appeared on multiple platforms in the past and are widely available. The RAPIDS program office has planned for removal of privacy information from the CAC bar codes, however this is still in progress.

Based on the vulnerabilities associated with the Google Play "CACScan" Application, all AMC personnel are advised to take the following information into consideration:

1. Maintain physical security of your Common Access Card (CAC) at all times. Unattended/Lost/Stolen CAC provides privacy information to malicious user who uses the app to scan the card.

2. Do not download the application to your device. Advise your family members to avoid the application as well. Your privacy data is contained in the CAC...there is no purpose to scanning information from your CAC to your phone.

3. Avoid making photocopies of your CAC for any reason. The barcode in a photocopy can be easily scanned by this CACScan app.

4. If you have any questions, contact your Security Manager or OPSEC
Program Manager.