About the PKCS#11 API

The HID ActivClient PKCS#11 library is the HID implementation of the PKCS#11 cryptographic standard that provides PKCS#11 access to any smart card or USB key supported by HID ActivClient.

The PKCS#11 library enables managing and using key pairs and digital certificates along with device management keys such as PINs.

It is compliant with the PKCS#11 Cryptographic Token Interface Standard v2.40. For more details, including any limitations and the scope of the APIs covered see the Crescendo PKCS#11 documentation.

Supported Operating Systems

  • Microsoft Windows 11

  • macOS 14, 15, 26

Release Notes

What's New in v9.8

  • Fixed authenticating cryptographic operations with multiple PINs present.

Installation

Windows

The HID ActivClient PKCS#11 library DLLs are installed in the same folder as ActivClient. To enable an application to use the installed PKCS#11 library, follow the instructions provided by your application vendor.

Note: Most general-purpose applications (such as Firefox, Chrome, Adobe Reader, and Outlook) do not require the PKCS#11 module and instead use the ActivClient Minidriver, which is also installed with the ActivClient package (see ActivClient Components for more information).

Configuration

The library shares its configuration with other components of the ActivClient package. See ActivClient Components for more details.