backup

Create and verify local backup archives for OpenClaw state

SERVEROpenClaw SOURCEopenclaw

Medium RISK CLASS

Category Write

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity verified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/openclaw/backup.md

WHAT IT DOES

What backup does on OpenClaw

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

RISK

Why backup is rated Medium

This tool creates backup archives, which is a write operation that generates new data structures. While backups are often protective, the act of creating them constitutes data writing. It's not Read (it creates, not retrieves), not Destructive (backups are typically reversible and don't delete the original state), not Execute (no arbitrary code/command execution indicated), and not Financial.

From the tool's definition Creates local backup archives for OpenClaw state, which involves writing data to storage in a reversible manner.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs backup safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and OpenClaw, 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 Rate-limited

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": {
    "backup": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "backup_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

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

FAQ

Questions about backup

What does the backup tool do? +

Create and verify local backup archives for OpenClaw state. It is categorised as a Write tool in the OpenClaw MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on backup? +

Register the OpenClaw 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 OpenClaw. Nothing to install.

What risk level is backup? +

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

Can I rate-limit backup? +

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.

How do I block backup completely? +

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.

What MCP server provides backup? +

backup is provided by the OpenClaw MCP server (openclaw). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

KEEP EXPLORING

More on OpenClaw, and thousands of servers like it.

This server

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Across the catalogue

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Guides

Govern customer-ops agents →Argument validation →Scoped token →