Deletes a backup.
AI agents call delete_backup to permanently remove resources in Storage — typically in cleanup and lifecycle workflows. It does its job in a single call, and there is no undo.
This tool irreversibly removes backup data from GCS storage. Deletion of backups is a destructive action that eliminates recovery points and cannot be reversed. While not directly modifying production data, destroying backups severely compromises disaster recovery capabilities. The high severity reflects the impact on business continuity if backups are accidentally or maliciously deleted by an AI agent.
From the tool's definition Tool name and description: "Deletes a backup." The verb 'delete' combined with the irreversible nature of backup deletion indicates this is a destructive operation. Backup deletion cannot be undone and results in permanent loss of recovery data.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Deletes a backup. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Storage MCP Server, which means it can permanently delete or destroy data. Block by default and require explicit approval.
Register the Storage MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for delete_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 Storage. Nothing to install.
delete_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 delete_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 delete_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.
delete_backup is provided by the Storage MCP server (@google-cloud/storage-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.