A method and data processing system for using file backup software to generate an alert when a file modification policy is violated. File backup software is installed on a computer to monitor a plurality of files. If the file backup software detects a modification to a file, the file backup software determines whether a file modification policy associated with the file has been violated. If the file backup software determines that the file modification policy has been violated, the file backup software generates an alert, indicating that the modification violates the modification policy.