Which OpenSSL command is often used to generate a new private key?

Which OpenSSL command is often used to generate a new private key?

• A. openssl req -newkey rsa:2048 -keyout private.pem -out request.csr
• B. openssl genrsa -out private.pem 2048
• C. openssl pkcs8 -topk8 -inform PEM -outform DER
• D. openssl genpkey -algorithm RSA -out private.pem

Answer: (B)

The command used to generate a new private key using OpenSSL is focused on creating a key efficiently based on the RSA algorithm. The specific command does this by invoking `openssl genrsa`, which is designed specifically for generating RSA private keys. By specifying the `-out` option followed by the desired filename, such as `private.pem`, the command directs OpenSSL to save the generated private key into that file. Additionally, the number `2048` at the end indicates the desired key length, which is a standard size for ensuring a secure private key. A key size of at least 2048 bits is generally recommended for RSA keys to strike a good balance between security and performance. Other commands in the context are suited for different purposes. For example, one command generates a new key along with a certificate signing request, while another is focused on key format conversion — neither of these is solely aimed at just creating a new private key. The choice to use `openssl genrsa` is straightforward and tailored for generating RSA private keys specifically, making it the most direct answer to the question.

The command used to generate a new private key using OpenSSL is focused on creating a key efficiently based on the RSA algorithm. The specific command does this by invoking openssl genrsa, which is designed specifically for generating RSA private keys. By specifying the -out option followed by the desired filename, such as private.pem, the command directs OpenSSL to save the generated private key into that file.

Additionally, the number 2048 at the end indicates the desired key length, which is a standard size for ensuring a secure private key. A key size of at least 2048 bits is generally recommended for RSA keys to strike a good balance between security and performance.

Other commands in the context are suited for different purposes. For example, one command generates a new key along with a certificate signing request, while another is focused on key format conversion — neither of these is solely aimed at just creating a new private key. The choice to use openssl genrsa is straightforward and tailored for generating RSA private keys specifically, making it the most direct answer to the question.