backup-master-key-transact-sql.md

title	BACKUP MASTER KEY (Transact-SQL) | Microsoft Docs
ms.custom
ms.date	03/06/2017
ms.prod	sql
ms.prod_service	sql-database
ms.reviewer
ms.technology	t-sql
ms.topic	language-reference
f1_keywords	BACKUP MASTER KEY DUMP_MASTER_KEY_TSQL BACKUP_MASTER_KEY_TSQL DUMP MASTER KEY
dev_langs	TSQL
helpviewer_keywords	BACKUP MASTER KEY statement exporting Database Master Keys encryption [SQL Server], Database Master Key cryptography [SQL Server], Database Master Key backing up master keys [SQL Server] database master key [SQL Server], exporting
ms.assetid	0e25fe22-2536-4d7e-ba4a-1921e880f367
author	VanMSFT
ms.author	vanto

BACKUP MASTER KEY (Transact-SQL)

[!INCLUDE SQL Server]

Exports the database master key.

Transact-SQL Syntax Conventions

Syntax

  
BACKUP MASTER KEY TO FILE = 'path_to_file'   
    ENCRYPTION BY PASSWORD = 'password'  

Arguments

FILE ='path_to_file'
Specifies the complete path, including file name, to the file to which the master key will be exported. This may be a local path or a UNC path to a network location.

PASSWORD ='password'
Is the password used to encrypt the master key in the file. This password is subject to complexity checks. For more information, see Password Policy.

Remarks

The master key must be open and, therefore, decrypted before it is backed up. If it is encrypted with the service master key, the master key does not have to be explicitly opened. But 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.

Permissions

Requires CONTROL permission on the database.

Examples

The following example creates a backup of the AdventureWorks2012 master key. Because this master key is not encrypted by the service master key, a password must be specified when it is opened.

USE AdventureWorks2012;  
OPEN MASTER KEY DECRYPTION BY PASSWORD = 'sfj5300osdVdgwdfkli7';  
BACKUP MASTER KEY TO FILE = 'c:\temp\exportedmasterkey'   
    ENCRYPTION BY PASSWORD = 'sd092735kjn$&adsg';  
GO   

See Also

CREATE MASTER KEY (Transact-SQL)
OPEN MASTER KEY (Transact-SQL)
CLOSE MASTER KEY (Transact-SQL)
RESTORE MASTER KEY (Transact-SQL)
ALTER MASTER KEY (Transact-SQL)
DROP MASTER KEY (Transact-SQL)
Encryption Hierarchy