create_local_backup · Todos MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_local_backup does on Todos

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_local_backup needs a policy

This tool performs a reversible write action—it generates backup data locally without destructive side effects, without executing arbitrary commands, and without financial impact. The backup operation is non-destructive and can be undone by simply deleting the backup bundle.

From the tool's definition Tool creates a backup bundle, which is a write operation that generates new local data artifacts (manifest, checksums) without modifying or deleting existing data. Description states 'Create a local backup bundle'.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_local_backup Rate-limited

create_local_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_local_backup": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_local_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 Todos, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_local_backup

What does the create_local_backup tool do? +

Create a local backup bundle with manifest checksums for tasks, projects, plans, runs, comments, evidence, and stored artifacts. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Todos 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_local_backup? +

Register the Todos MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_local_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 Todos. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_local_backup? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_local_backup? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_local_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_local_backup completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for create_local_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_local_backup? +

create_local_backup is provided by the Todos MCP server (@hasna/todos). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.