list_topics

SERVERFlevy SOURCEhttps://flevy.com/mcp

Low RISK CLASS

Category Read

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Allowedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade C, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/com-flevy-flevy/list-topics.md

WHAT IT DOES

What list_topics does on Flevy

AI agents call list_topics to retrieve information from Flevy without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.

RISK

Why list_topics is rated Low

This tool retrieves and queries data from Flevy's topic taxonomy without modifying, executing code, deleting content, or moving money. It has no side effects beyond returning information. It is purely informational for navigation and filtering purposes.

From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states it provides 'The canonical list of management topics' and is used to 'map a user's phrasing to the exact topic filter' and 'show what subject areas Flevy covers.' Keywords: 'list,' 'map,' and 'show' indicate read-only…

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs list_topics safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Flevy, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For list_topics, this is the rule to start with:

list_topics Allowed

list_topics is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "list_topics": {}
  }
}

ALLOW ONLY THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Flevy, apply this rule, and every list_topics call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about list_topics

What does the list_topics tool do? +

The canonical list of management topics Flevy's catalog is organized under, each with its known aliases (e.g. "Digital Transformation" and "Digital Transformation Strategy" may be the same topic) and content counts. Use this to map a user's phrasing to the exact topic filter accepted by search_content, or to show what subject areas Flevy covers. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Flevy MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on list_topics? +

Register the Flevy MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_topics: 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 Flevy. Nothing to install.

What risk level is list_topics? +

list_topics is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit list_topics? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_topics 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.

How do I block list_topics completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for list_topics. 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.

What MCP server provides list_topics? +

list_topics is provided by the Flevy MCP server (https://flevy.com/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

KEEP EXPLORING

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