STIGQter: STIG Summary: MS SQL Server 2016 Database Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 3 Release: 5 Benchmark Date: 01 Apr 2026:

The Certificate used for encryption must be backed up and stored in a secure location that is not on the SQL Server.

DISA Rule

SV-213913r961128_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-213913

Group Title

SRG-APP-000231-DB-000154

Rule Version

SQL6-D0-001800

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

• CCI-001199 - Protects the confidentiality and/or integrity of organization-defined information at rest.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Document and implement procedures to safely back up and store the Certificate used for encryption in a secure location that is not on the SQL Server. Include in the procedures to establish evidence of backup and storage as well as careful, restricted access and restoration of the Certificate.

BACKUP CERTIFICATE 'CertificateName' TO FILE = 'path_to_file'
WITH PRIVATE KEY (FILE = 'path_to_pvk', ENCRYPTION BY PASSWORD = 'password');

As this requires a password, ensure it is not exposed to unauthorized persons or stored as plain text.

Check Contents

If the application owner and authorizing official have determined that encryption of data at rest is not required, this is not a finding.

Review procedures for and evidence of backup of the Certificate used for encryption in the System Security Plan.

If the procedures or evidence does not exist, this is a finding.

If the procedures do not indicate that a backup of the Certificate used for encryption is stored in a secure location that is not on the SQL Server, this is a finding.

If procedures do not indicate access restrictions to the Certificate backup, this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-213913

Documentable

False

Rule Version

SQL6-D0-001800

Severity Override Guidance

If the application owner and authorizing official have determined that encryption of data at rest is not required, this is not a finding.

Review procedures for and evidence of backup of the Certificate used for encryption in the System Security Plan.

If the procedures or evidence does not exist, this is a finding.

If the procedures do not indicate that a backup of the Certificate used for encryption is stored in a secure location that is not on the SQL Server, this is a finding.

If procedures do not indicate access restrictions to the Certificate backup, this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

3992