create_backup · Restic MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_backup does on Restic

AI agents use create_backup to create or update resources in Restic — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Restic environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_backup needs a policy

This tool creates new backup data in the repository. It is a Write operation as it adds new snapshot data without deleting or overwriting existing data. Misuse could cause storage bloat or back up sensitive/unintended paths, hence medium severity.

From the tool's definition Create a new backup of the specified paths

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_backup Rate-limited

create_backup stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "create_backup": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_backup_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Restic, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_backup

What does the create_backup tool do? +

Create a new backup of the specified paths. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Restic MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on create_backup? +

Register the Restic MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_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 Restic. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_backup? +

create_backup is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit create_backup? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_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.

How do I block create_backup completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for create_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.

What MCP server provides create_backup? +

create_backup is provided by the Restic MCP server (mohsenil85/restic-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.