The Master Key must be backed up and stored in a secure location that is not on the SQL Server.
An XCCDF Rule
Description
<VulnDiscussion>Backup and recovery of the Master Key may be critical to the complete recovery of the database. Not having this key can lead to loss of data during recovery.</VulnDiscussion><FalsePositives></FalsePositives><FalseNegatives></FalseNegatives><Documentable>false</Documentable><Mitigations></Mitigations><SeverityOverrideGuidance></SeverityOverrideGuidance><PotentialImpacts></PotentialImpacts><ThirdPartyTools></ThirdPartyTools><MitigationControl></MitigationControl><Responsibility></Responsibility><IAControls></IAControls>
- ID
- SV-213974r961128_rule
- Severity
- Medium
- References
- Updated
Remediation - Manual Procedure
Document and implement procedures to safely back up and store the Master Key in a secure location that is not on the SQL Server. Include in the procedures methods to establish evidence of backup and storage, and careful, restricted access and restoration of the Master Key.
BACKUP MASTER KEY TO FILE = 'path_to_file'
ENCRYPTION BY PASSWORD = 'password';
As this requires a password, take care to ensure it is not exposed to unauthorized persons or stored as plain text.