This record as markdown: /tools/aws/delete-access-key.md
What delete_access_key does on AWS
AI agents call delete_access_key to permanently remove resources in AWS, typically in cleanup and lifecycle workflows. It does its job in a single call, and there is no undo.
Why delete_access_key is rated Critical
The action deletes a security credential that cannot be undone programmatically. This fits Destructive (irreversible deletion) rather than Execute, since the operation always destroys an object outright. Severity is high because an attacker could revoke legitimate access credentials or delete keys associated with critical services, disrupting operations.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'delete_access_key' explicitly performs deletion of an AWS access key, which cannot be reversed without manual intervention to recreate it. In an AWS context, access keys are security credentials; deleting one is an irreversible destructive action.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs delete_access_key safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and AWS, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For delete_access_key, this is the rule to start with:
delete_access_key is removed from the agent's tool list entirely, so the agent never calls it. The rest of the server keeps working.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect AWS, apply this rule, and every delete_access_key call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about delete_access_key
delete_access_key is a destructive tool on the AWS MCP server. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the AWS MCP Server, which means it can permanently delete or destroy data. Block by default and require explicit approval.
Register the AWS MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for delete_access_key: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches AWS. Nothing to install.
delete_access_key is a Destructive tool with critical risk. Critical-risk tools should be blocked by default and only enabled with explicit human approval.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the delete_access_key rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for delete_access_key. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.
delete_access_key is provided by the AWS MCP server (@awslabs/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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