What is ctkd on a Mac? Smart card and security token service
What the ctkd process does in macOS, why it can use CPU or memory, and whether you can stop it.
What is ctkd?
ctkd is CryptoTokenKit: it lets the Mac use smart cards and hardware security tokens for signing in and certificates.
Why is ctkd using CPU or memory?
It is idle unless a token is connected or an app uses one.
Can I stop ctkd?
No need; it is idle without a token.
trustd evaluates the certificates involved.
Common questions
Is ctkd safe on a Mac?
Yes. It is part of macOS. ctkd is CryptoTokenKit: it lets the Mac use smart cards and hardware security tokens for signing in and certificates..
Can I quit ctkd?
No need; it is idle without a token..