Stronghold – Stronghold

 

To generate a CSR, you will need to create a key pair for your server.

Generate a Key Pair

NOTE: A key length of 1024 bit is the default, but Geotrust recommends the use of a 2048 bit key.
If the request is intended for an Extended Validation certificate or a certificate with a validity period beyondDecember 31, 2013, the 2048 bit key length will need to be selected.
Stronghold keys and certificates are managed through three scripts: genkey, getca and genreq. These are part of the normal Stronghold distribution. Keys and certificates are stored in the directory $SSLTOP/private/, where SSLTOP is typically /usr/local/ssl.
To generate a key pair and CSR for your server:

1. Run genkey, specifying the name of the host or virtual host: genkey hostname. The genkey script displays the filenames and locations of the key file and CSR file it will generate:

Key file: /usr/local/www/sslhostname.key
CSR file: /usr/local/www/sslhostname.cert

Note: If you already have a key for your server, run genreq [servername] to generate only the CSR.

2. Press Enter. The genkey script reminds you to be sure you are not overwriting an existing key pair and certificate.

3. When prompted, enter a key size in bits. We recommend using the largest key size available: 2048 bits.

4. When prompted, enter random key strokes. Stop when the counter reaches zero and genkey beeps. This random data to create a unique public and private key pair.

5. When prompted, enter to create the key pair and CSR.

6. Select Geotrust as your CA.

7. Enter all of the information requested and press Enter. Back up your key file and CSR on a floppy disk and store the disk in a secure location. If you lose your private key or forget the password, you will not be able to install your Secure Server ID and will need to request and purchase a new one from Geotrust.

You have just created a key pair and a CSR.

8. To copy and paste the information into the enrollment form, open the file in a text editor that does not add extra characters (Notepad or Vi are recommended).

9. Copy and past the CSR into the enrollment pages.

 Posted by at 15:36