How to generate the CSR for FileZilla server?

Generate CSR for filezilla server

FileZilla Client is a cross platform FTP, FTPS and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) client, it supports IPv6 and it is available in many languages. To enable secure communication over FileZilla server, you need to install SSL certificate. Before installing SSL, you need to create the CSR (certificate signing request). In this short information, we will experience about the process of generate the CSR on FileZilla server using OpenSSL.

Generate the Private Key:

You need to use OpenSSL to generate the CSR and private key.

Type the following command at the prompt:

openssl genrsa –des3 –out www.mydomain.com.key 2048

Here, 2048-bit RSA key is used that should be saved as domain.key on the server.

Now, enter a password when asked for pass phrase and remember for future.

Generate the CSR:

Use SSH terminal to log in to FileZilla server.
Now you have to replace the default server name with your actual server name. Apply following command:

openssl req –new –newkey rsa:2048 –nodes –keyout server.key –out server.csr

There will be two files: private key file and CSR file (certificate signing request).
You have to provide common name, or provide the fully qualified domain name (FQDN). (Use asterisk at beginning of your common name (*.domain.com) if you are generating Certificate Signing Request for Wildcard SSL).
You will be asked to give organization information to create OpenSSL.csr file.

Common Name: A URL means FQDN that you want to secure.
Organization: The legal name of your organization
Organization Unit: The name of department of your organization
City/Location: The city in which organization is located
State/Province: The state in which organization is located
Country: Country location of your organization

After generating CSR file, open text editor; copy the content including BEGIN and END tags. You will be prompt to paste the content into SSL certificate purchase.
Finally, save the generated. Key file that will be used in SSL certificate installation.

In next article we will understand how to install SSL certificate on FileZilla Server.