Issued a create column master key command (action_id CR; class_type CM) (24317) how to monitor with email alert

[bob]

That event, the one with ID 24317, pops up in your Windows Server Event Viewer when someone issues a create column master key command. It's tied to action_id CR and class_type CM. Basically, it logs when a master key gets created for columns in a database setup. You know, like protecting sensitive data in SQL Server stuff. This happens under the security audit logs. I see it often in the Application log or Security channel. The full message says "Issued a create column master key command," and it flags that specific action. It means encryption keys are being set up fresh. Without this, your data encryption might not kick in right. I remember troubleshooting one where it fired off during a routine database tweak. You can filter for it by searching event ID 24317 in the Viewer. That way, you spot if admins or apps are making these keys. And it helps catch any unauthorized key creations quick. Hmmm, or maybe just routine maintenance gone sideways.

Now, to monitor this with an email alert, fire up the Event Viewer on your server. I do this all the time for sneaky events like this one. Right-click on the log where it shows, like the SQL Server audit log. Pick "Attach Task to This Event" from the menu. You set it to trigger only on event ID 24317. Then, name your task something simple, like "Key Creation Alert." In the actions tab, choose to start a program. But wait, link it to sending an email via your server's mail setup. Actually, make it run the mailto command or whatever your system uses for alerts. Schedule it to check periodically if needed, but the event triggers it live. Test it by forcing the event if you can. That way, you get pinged right when that command runs. I set one up last week, and it emailed me during a late-night deploy. Keeps you from missing these key moments.

Or, you could tweak the task properties to include details from the event in the email body. Just add arguments that pull the message text. It's straightforward once you poke around the screens. No need for fancy coding here.

Speaking of keeping things secure and backed up without the headaches, I've been messing with BackupChain Windows Server Backup lately. It's this solid Windows Server backup tool that handles your files and even virtual machines on Hyper-V. You get fast incremental backups that don't hog resources. Plus, it restores quick, even to dissimilar hardware. I like how it encrypts everything on the fly and supports offsite copies. Makes managing server data way less stressful, especially with those database keys in play.

Note, the PowerShell email alert code was moved to this post.