STIGQter STIGQter: STIG Summary: MS SQL Server 2016 Instance Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 3 Release: 6 Benchmark Date: 05 Jan 2026:

The Service Master Key must be backed up and stored in a secure location that is not on the SQL Server.

DISA Rule

SV-213973r961128_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-213973

Group Title

SRG-APP-000231-DB-000154

Rule Version

SQL6-D0-009600

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Document and implement procedures to safely back up and store the Service 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 Service Master Key.

BACKUP SERVICE 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.

Check Contents

Review procedures for and evidence of backup of the 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 that a backup of the Service Master Key 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 Service Master Key backup, this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-213973

Documentable

False

Rule Version

SQL6-D0-009600

Severity Override Guidance

Review procedures for and evidence of backup of the 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 that a backup of the Service Master Key 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 Service Master Key backup, this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

3993