dataset_lock

THE RISK

High Risk

Why dataset_lock needs a policy

Locking an encrypted dataset is an operational action that makes data inaccessible (encrypts/locks it), which is a significant state change. While not permanently destructive (data can be unlocked), it can cause service disruptions and data unavailability. It triggers an external operation on the TrueNAS system that changes the accessibility state of the dataset.

From the tool's definition Lock an encrypted dataset

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access dataset_lock gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control dataset_lock

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Truenas, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for dataset_lock:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "dataset_lock": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "dataset_lock_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

dataset_lock stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register Truenas — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

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Go deeper

High-risk tools in Truenas → Every high-risk tool this server exposes, in one view.
All high-risk MCP tools → Every high-risk tool across the catalogue, and the policy pattern that contains them.
The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
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Least privilege for MCP → Granting agents the minimum tool surface the task needs.
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FAQ

Questions about dataset_lock

What does the dataset_lock tool do? +

Lock an encrypted dataset. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Truenas MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on dataset_lock? +

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

What risk level is dataset_lock? +

dataset_lock is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit dataset_lock? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the dataset_lock 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 dataset_lock completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for dataset_lock. 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 dataset_lock? +

dataset_lock is provided by the Truenas MCP server (spranab/truenas-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Truenas tool call.

Start from Truenas, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →