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What is a master key in a database?
The database master key is a symmetric key used to protect the private keys of certificates and asymmetric keys that are present in the database. When it is created, the master key is encrypted by using the AES_256 algorithm and a user-supplied password.
How do I protect my private key?
A CA’s private key should be stored in hardware-based protection, such as a Hardware Security Module (HSM). This provides tamper-resistant secure storage. A Private key for an end entity could be stored in a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip or a USB tamper-resistant security token.
Do you need master key for service broker?
The master key has to exist and the service master key encryption is required. What confuses me is why this is happening when all my CONVERSATIONs have ENCRYPTION = OFF. Is there a way to make use of Service Broker internally within a single database where ENCYRPTION is OFF without having to create a Database Master Key?
When do you use encryption in service broker?
Service Broker uses encryption by default unless you specify that you don’t want to use it when sending the messages. At some point the database master key had to be created unless like I said you were specifying that encryption was off when you send the messages (it might be when you create the conversation, I don’t remember).
How to back up service master key in SQL Server?
To back up the Service Master key In SQL Server Management Studio, connect to the SQL Server instance containing the service master key you wish to back up. Choose a password that will be used to encrypt the service master key on the backup medium. This password is subject to complexity checks.
Do you have to open the service master key?
If it is encrypted with the service master key, the master key does not have to be explicitly opened; however, if the master key is encrypted only with a password, it must be explicitly opened. 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.