How to Generate a CSR for Nginx (OpenSSL) 1. Log in to your server’s terminal. Enter CSR and Private Key command. Enter your CSR details. Generate the order. Jul 08, 2009 You can also generate self signed SSL certificate for testing purpose. In this article, let us review how to generate private key file (server.key), certificate signing request file (server.csr) and webserver certificate file (server.crt) that can be used on Apache server with modssl.
SSL Certificates fall into two broad categories: 1) Self-Signed Certificate which is an identity certificate that is signed by the same entity whose identity it certifies-on signed with its own private key, and 2) Certificates that are signed by a CA (Certificate Authority) such as Let’s Encrypt, Comodo and many other companies.
Self-Signed Certificates are commonly used in test environments for LAN services or applications. They can be generated for free using OpenSSL or any related tool. On the other hand, for sensitive, public-facing production services, applications or websites, it is highly recommended to use a certificate issued and verified by a trusted CA.
The first step towards acquiring an SSL certificate issued and verified by a CA is generating a CSR (short for Certificate Signing Request).
In this article, we will demonstrate how to create a CSR (Certificate Signing Request) on a Linux system.
Creating a CSR – Certificate Signing Request in Linux
To create a CSR, you need the OpenSSL command line utility installed on your system, otherwise, run the following command to install it.
Then issue the following command to generate a CSR and the key that will protect your certificate.
where:
- req enables the part of OpenSSL that handles certificate requests signing.
- -newkey rsa:2048 creates a 2048-bit RSA key.
- -nodes means “don’t encrypt the key”.
- -keyout example.com.key specifies the filename to write on the created private key.
- -out example.com.csr specifies the filename to write the CSR to.
Answer correctly, the questions you will be asked. Note that your answers should match information in legal documents regarding the registration of your company. This information is critically checked by the CA before issuing your certificate.
After creating your CSR, view the contents of the file using a cat utility, select it and copy it.
Copy CSR Key
Then go back to your CA’s website, log in, go to the page will contain the SSL certificate you purchased, and activate it. Then in a window such as the one below, paste your CSR in the correct input field.
How To Generate Key For Csr
In this example, we created a CSR for a multiple domain certificate purchased from Namecheap.
Then follow the rest of the instructions to initiate activation of your SSL certificate. For more information about OpenSSL command, see its man page:
That’s all for now! Always remember that the first step to getting your own SSL certificate from a CA is to generate a CSR. Use the feedback form below to ask any questions or share your comments with us.
General CSR Creation Guidelines
Before you can order an SSL certificate, it is recommended that you generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) from your server or device. Learn more about SSL certificates »
How I Can Generate Key For The Csr 1
A CSR is an encoded file that provides you with a standardized way to send DigiCert your public key as well as some information that identifies your company and domain name. When you generate a CSR, most server software asks for the following information: common name (e.g., www.example.com), organization name and location (country, state/province, city/town), key type (typically RSA), and key size (2048-bit minimum).
Generate Private Key For Csr
If you aren't sure of the exact company name or location when you generate the CSR, don't worry; we can change and finalize that information during our review process before we issue the certificate.
Once your CSR is created, you'll need to copy and paste it into the online order form when you go to purchase your SSL certificate. Online Certificate Order Form »