Master Key vs Password Certificate Encryption in SQL Server We can encrypt certificates in SQL both by the database master key, and the other option is by password. I want to know the advantages and disadvantages of DMK encryption. Does password usage make the certificate more secure?

thanks
We can encrypt certificates in SQL both by the database master key, and the other option is by password.


You can do both at the same time, which is preferable.


  I want to know the advantages and disadvantages of DMK encryption.


The big two are:


If you forget the password or can't use the SMK (service master key), you can still open the Certificate (think AG, DBM, etc.)
You can use Transparent Decryption which removes the need to specifically open by password