Generating a Certificate Signing Request

PART 1: Generating the Key Pair

1. 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.
2. Type the following command at the prompt:
   openssl genrsa –des3 –out www.mydomain.com.key 2048

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.

1. Enter the PEM Pass Phrase (This MUST be remembered)

1. This will generate a 2048 RSA Private key, and stores it in the file www.mydomain.com.key.

PART 2:Generating the CSR

1. Type the following command at the prompt:
   openssl req –new –key www.mydomain.com.key –out www.mydomain.com.csr

Note: You will be prompted for the PEM Pass Phrase if you included the “-des3” command. Type it in now.

NOTE: There is a known issue with Apache/OpenSSL Windows Based Installations. If you recevie 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

1. Input the information for the Certificate Signing Request. This information will be displayed in the certificate.

Note: The following characters can not 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) [Internet Widgits Pty Ltd]:Global Sign
• Organizational Unit Name (eg, section) []:IT
• Common Name (eg, YOUR name) []:www.globalsign.net (Must be the FQDN – Fully Qualifed Domain Name)

Note: DO NOT Enter the following:

• Email Address []:
• A challenge password []:
• An optional company name []:

1. Please verify the CSR, to insure all information is correct. Use the following command:
   openssl req -noout -text -in www.mydomain.com.csr
2. The CSR will now be created, and can be submitted via the website.