BACKUP MASTER KEY

Export the database master key.

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

Specify the complete UNC or local path, including file name, for the file to which the master key will be exported.

If password complexity is enforced, the password must be > 8 chars and contain upper/lower case and numeric/ Non-alphanumeric characters.

Before the master key is backed up, it must be open/decrypted.
If the master key is encrypted with a password, it must be explicitly opened.
If the master key is encrypted with the service master key, it does not have to be explicitly opened.

Backup the master key as soon as it is created, and store the backup in a secure, off-site location.

Example

 USE MyDatabase;
    OPEN MASTER KEY DECRYPTION BY PASSWORD = 'master_PAssword_g0es_h3re';
    BACKUP MASTER KEY TO FILE = 'c:\backups\MyDb_masterkey' 
    ENCRYPTION BY PASSWORD = 'key_P@ssw0rd';
 GO

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Simon Sheppard
SS64.com