Creating a SQL Server 2005 / 2008 Master Key

In this video security pro John Magnasoci explains what a master key is and how to create them in SQL Server 2005 / 2008.

99EBE67331 on 4/6/2009

Not enough info about how to use the key

Robert Neal on 4/6/2009

I thought the video was very limited in information. I watched the video because I do not know what a master key is. I know a little more now but not very much and I still do not know if I want to learn more.

Jimmy May on 4/6/2009

EXCELLENT introduction into the "secret" world of SQL Server encryption fundamentals--thank you!

Ted W. Stapenhorst on 4/6/2009

Where can I obtain that code segment?

Tao Klerks on 4/7/2009

Content very light, delivery lacking confidence

Diana Dee on 4/7/2009

The last part was unclear. When you filter out the DB master key, what exactly are you seeing? The voice said something about seeing the encryption method, but why did that appear when you filtered out ... ?? Obviously, I am confused.

John Magnabosco on 4/7/2009

@Diana: The encryption methods that were presented are both for the DMK. In this case there were two methods available for the DMK. The filtering was offered as a means to show only the DMK methods.

John Magnabosco on 4/7/2009

@Ted: A link is available in the upper-right of this page titled "Scripts from this video".

John Magnabosco on 4/7/2009

@All: While these videos are intended to provide bit-sized portions of learning I do plan on doing more to provide the details you may be seeking. Please also see my blog at www.simple-talk.com.

snadesan on 6/25/2009

Thanks for the good video

Anna on 10/22/2009

I would like to get a copy of the demo T-SQL Script.

Stephen on 8/31/2011

Didn't know what a Master Key was, this video overcame that hurdle. Were or When I would use this...can't say

concoran on 8/31/2011

Excellent snippets.

William on 8/31/2011

I am somewhat familiar with encryption and master keys, but this helped. I didn't know I had to open the master key before I could back it up to a file. It would be nice to see a video of how to I restore it, or even a long one showing how to create, back up, use, and restore keys. Thanks!

John Miller on 8/31/2011

Still dont know what a master key is

6B2CA9FB1E on 8/31/2011

Should tell me WHY I NEED A KEY and how to use it. Thank you

Rich on 8/31/2011

As this video is for newbs, this wasn't too useful, b/c it didn't address the question of WHY I would want to create this key in the first place.

Amar0009 on 8/31/2011

Nice stuff. Thanks.

Leonard Peoples on 8/31/2011

This is a great feature. Thanks for sharing.

Stephen Oesterreicher on 8/31/2011

I did not understand what the Master Key was used for.

Michael Aron on 8/31/2011

Too short. Now how do you use this master key in other queries, processes, etc?

1F05990EE7 on 9/1/2011

Thanks. It was a nice video.

Tom Graves on 9/21/2011

Spoke way too fast at the beginning and didn't really explain what a master key was used for. Maybe I missed that part because he spoke so fast at the beginning (reading from a script) that I didn't hear it.

Maurice Ivory on 2/13/2012

I learned a few things from this video....It was nice.