The Service Master Key must be backed up, stored offline and off-site.

From Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Database Instance Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-001199

SV-53948r3_rule The Service Master Key must be backed up, stored offline and off-site.

Vulnerability discussion

Backup and recovery of the Service Master Key may be critical to the complete recovery of the database. Not having this key can lead to loss of data during recovery.

Check content

Review procedures for, and evidence of backup of, the SQL Server Service Master Key in the System Security Plan. If the procedures or evidence do not exist, this is a finding. If the procedures do not indicate offline and off-site storage of the Service Master Key, this is a finding. If procedures do not indicate access restrictions to the Service Master Key backup, this is a finding.

Fix text

Document and implement procedures to safely back up and store the Service Master Key. Include in the procedures methods to establish evidence of backup and storage, and careful, restricted access and restoration of the Service Master Key. Also, include provisions to store the key off-site. BACKUP SERVICE MASTER KEY TO FILE = 'path_to_file' ENCRYPTION BY PASSWORD = 'password'

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