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This directory is where you will create the file specified in the next step. Identify an NTFS directory in which to create the backup of the key. Obtain a removable backup medium for storing a copy of the backed-up key. For more information, see Password Policy. This password is subject to complexity checks. In SQL Server Management Studio, connect to the SQL Server instance containing the service master key you wish to back up.Ĭhoose a password that will be used to encrypt the service master key on the backup medium. Using Transact-SQL To back up the Service Master key Requires CONTROL permission on the database. We recommend that you back up the master key as soon as it is created, and store the backup in a secure, off-site location. Creating this backup should be one of the first administrative actions performed on the server. It should be backed up and stored in a secure, off-site location. The service master key is the root of the encryption hierarchy. This article describes how to back up the Service Master key in SQL Server by using Transact-SQL.
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