Easy-RSA is a command-line tool that is used for creating, managing, and revoking certificates for OpenVPN. In this tutorial, we will be explaining how to install Easy-RSA on Alpine Linux Latest.
Before proceeding with this tutorial, ensure the following has been setup:
You need to install OpenVPN and OpenSSL as dependencies for Easy-RSA. OpenVPN is an open-source software packet that enables us to create a virtual private network, which is useful for secure communication between distant systems.
sudo apk add openvpn openssl
After running the command, openvpn and openssl will be installed.
The Easy-RSA repository can be found on the GitHub link - https://github.com/OpenVPN/easy-rsa. To clone the repository, run the following command:
git clone https://github.com/OpenVPN/easy-rsa.git
After executing the command, it clones the Easy-RSA repository to your current working directory.
First, change your current working directory to the Easy-RSA clone directory.
cd easy-rsa/easyrsa3
Next, you need to generate the required RSA files by running the easyrsa command:
./easyrsa init-pki
In the next step, enter a passphrase when prompted. This passphrase will be used to secure the created private key. Please note that this must be a strong and unique passphrase.
init-pki complete; you may now create a CA or requests.
Your newly created PKI dir is: __DIRECTORY__
After running the command, openvpn's server certificate and private key will be generated in the pki/ folder.
Now to create a CA, run the below command:
./easyrsa build-ca
Follow the steps prompted to create a CA.
You can verify the installation by checking the version of the Easy-RSA which was installed.
./easyrsa --version
It will show the current version installed.
In this tutorial, it has been explained to install Easy-RSA on Alpine Linux. The Easy-RSA is downloaded from GitHub and dependencies like openvpn and openssl are installed before proceeding with the installation. After that, the Easy-RSA repository was cloned, and the installation was done by generating the desired keys using easyrsa commands.
If you want to self-host in an easy, hands free way, need an external IP address, or simply want your data in your own hands, give IPv6.rs a try!
Alternatively, for the best virtual desktop, try Shells!
