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


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-41419 SQL2-00-024500 SV-53948r2_rule Medium
Description
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.
STIG Date
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Database Security Technical Implementation Guide 2016-06-24

Details

Check Text ( C-47954r2_chk )
Review procedures for, and evidence of backup of, the SQL Server Service Master Key in the System Security Plan.

If the procedures or evidence does 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 (F-46847r2_fix)
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'