Generate a CSR: Apache (OpenSSL)
To generate a Key Pair and Certificate Signing Request (CSR), please do the following:
PART 1: Generating the Key Pair
The utility OpenSSL is used to generate both Private Key (key) and Certificate Signing request (CSR). OpenSSL is usually installed under /usr/local/ssl/bin. If you have a custom install, you will need to adjust these instructions appropriately.
Type the following command at the prompt:
openssl genrsa -des3 -out www.mydomain.com.key 2048
Please note: If you do not wish to use a Pass Phrase, do not use the -des3 command. It will however leave the private key unprotected.
Enter the PEM Pass Phrase. (This MUST be remembered).
This will generate a 2048 RSA Private Key and store it in the file www.mydomain.com.key.
PART 2: Generating the CSR
Type the following command at the prompt:
openssl req -new -key www.mydomain.com.key -out www.mydomain.com.csr
Please note:You will be prompted for the PEM Pass Phrase if you included the -des3 command. Type it in now.
Please note: There is a known issue with Apache/OpenSSL Windows Based Installations. If you receive an error with the above command, Please enter the following:
openssl req -new -key www.mydomain.com.key -out www.mydomain.com.csr -config openssl.cnf
Input the information for the Certificate Signing Request. This information will be displayed in the certificate.
Please note:The following characters cannot be accepted: < > ~ ! @ # $ % ^ / ( ) ?.,&
Country Name (2 letter code) [AU]:GB
State or Province Name (full name) [Some-State]:London
Locality Name (eg, city) []:London
Organization Name (eg, company) [GX Networks Ltd]:Webfusion
Organizational Unit Name (eg, section) []:IT
Common Name (eg, YOUR name) []:www.globalsign.net (Must be the FQDN – Fully Qualifed Domain Name)
Important: DO NOT Enter the following:
Email Address []:
A challenge password []:
An optional company name []:
Please verify the CSR, to ensure all information is correct. Use the following command:
openssl req -noout -text -in www.mydomain.com.csr
The CSR will now be created.