STIGQter: STIG Summary: Microsoft SQL Server 2022 Instance Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 1 Release: 4 Benchmark Date: 01 Apr 2026:

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

DISA Rule

SV-271322r1108582_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-271322

Group Title

SRG-APP-000231-DB-000154

Rule Version

SQLI-22-009700

Severity

CAT I

CCI(s)

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

Weight

Fix Recommendation

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

BACKUP 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

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 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 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 Master Key backup, this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-271322

Documentable

False

Rule Version

SQLI-22-009700

Severity Override Guidance

Check Content Reference

Target Key

5677