This record as markdown: /tools/io-github-portel-dev-ncp/backup.md
What backup does on Ncp
AI agents call backup to permanently remove resources in Ncp, typically in cleanup and lifecycle workflows. It does its job in a single call, and there is no undo.
Why backup is rated Critical
Database backup operations can be destructive or highly impactful: they may overwrite existing backup files, consume significant storage, expose sensitive data, or be a precursor to a restore operation that overwrites production data. The term 'backup' combined with a specific database target ('mysql-api') suggests this triggers a real database operation with potential side effects.
From the tool's definition "Backup mysql-api database" — creates a backup of the database
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs backup safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Ncp, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For backup, this is the rule to start with:
backup 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 Ncp, apply this rule, and every backup call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about backup
Backup mysql-api database. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Ncp MCP Server, which means it can permanently delete or destroy data. Block by default and require explicit approval.
Register the Ncp MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for backup: 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 Ncp. Nothing to install.
backup 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 backup 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 backup. 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.
backup is provided by the Ncp MCP server (@portel/ncp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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