What is service master key in SQL Server?

How do I create a service master key in SQL Server?

The service master key is automatically created when you create a key that needs it, usually a database master key. So there is no CREATE SERVICE MASTER KEY command. This key is encrypted and protected by the Windows DPAPI and the linked to the SQL Server service account.

How do I open a master key in SQL Server?

Since we drop encryption by the service master key, we must explicitly open the database master key with a password.1OPEN MASTER KEY DECRYPTION BY PASSWORD = '@k$h@yPatel'2ALTER MASTER KEY ADD ENCRYPTION BY SERVICE MASTER KEY.Encrypt and Decrypt in SQL Server: Part 2 - C# Corner

How do I reset my service master key?

To restore the service master key Retrieve a copy of the backed-up service master key, either from a physical backup medium or a directory on the local file system. In Object Explorer, connect to an instance of Database Engine.

How do I drop a service master key in SQL Server?

1DROP MASTER KEY.2USE AdventureWorks2012; DROP MASTER KEY; GO.3USE master; DROP MASTER KEY; GO.DROP MASTER KEY (Transact-SQL) - SQL Server | Microsoft Docs