What is the key difference between Shellward and Kastell?

Shellward belongs to the Security category with local stdio execution, while Kastell belongs to the Security category with local stdio execution.

How do I install Shellward or Kastell in Claude Desktop or Cursor?

Copy the mcpServers JSON configuration snippet provided on this page into your claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json file and restart your AI client.

Are Shellward and Kastell free or paid?

Shellward operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required). Kastell operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required).

Which MCP server has more tools and community activity?

Shellward lists 6 tools with 1 views and 129 GitHub stars. Kastell lists 6 tools with 2 views and 56 GitHub stars.

Can I use both Shellward and Kastell together in the same MCP host?

Yes! MCP hosts like Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, Cline, and VS Code support configuring multiple servers under the mcpServers object simultaneously.

How do I install Shellward or Kastell in Claude Desktop, Cursor, or Windsurf?

Both servers follow the standard Model Context Protocol configuration format. Simply copy the JSON block from the configuration section above and paste it into your AI client's mcpServers configuration object (for instance in claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json ), then completely restart or refresh the application.

Are Shellward and Kastell free to use, or do they require API keys?

Shellward is listed under a Free / Open Source model with No auth required . Kastell operates under a Free / Open Source model with No auth required . If environment variables are required (such as API keys), be sure to define them under the env key in your MCP client's configuration file.

Can I run both Shellward and Kastell at the same time in my AI client?

Yes! MCP clients support multi-server orchestration. You can include both jnmetacode-shellward and kastelldev-kastell as distinct keys inside the single mcpServers object in your configuration file. Your AI assistant will automatically select and call the appropriate tool from either server during chat sessions.

Which MCP server has higher directory engagement and quality ratings?

On AllMCPs, Shellward has a Quality Score of 45 /100 ( Fair ) with 1 views, 0 installs, and 129 GitHub stars. Kastell holds a Quality Score of 52 /100 ( Good ) with 2 views, 0 installs, and 56 GitHub stars.

Side-by-Side Model Context Protocol Comparison

Shellward vs Kastell

In-depth architectural comparison of the Shellward and Kastell MCP servers. Compare execution transports, security boundaries, tool capabilities, quality scores, and ready-to-paste client installation snippets for Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, and VS Code.

At a Glance & Executive Verdict

Shellward

Security · Local stdio

Quality: 45/100 (Fair) | Auth: No auth required

Kastell

Security · Local stdio

Quality: 52/100 (Good) | Auth: No auth required

Verdict Summary: Choose Shellward if you need specialized Security tools running via a local process. Choose Kastell if your workspace requires Security integration with local subprocess execution. Both servers can be configured concurrently in your client's mcpServers manifest.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose Shellward when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Security domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
Primary tools included: 8-layer defense including prompt guard, input auditor, tool blocker, output scanner, Data loss prevention with full data return and outbound send blocking, PII detection for Chinese and international identifiers with low false positives.

Explore Shellward Details

Choose Kastell when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Security domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
You have access to required keys: KASTELL_API_KEY, KASTELL_PROVIDER_TOKEN, KASTELL_SSH_KEY_PATH, KASTELL_CONFIG_PATH.
Primary tools included: .

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	Shellward jnMetaCode Security	Kastell kastelldev Security
Summary	AI Agent Security Middleware & MCP Server with 8-layer defense including prompt injection detection, DLP data flow tracking, command blocking, and PII detection. 7 MCP tools, zero dependencies.	Server security auditing and hardening toolkit. 413 security checks across 29 categories (SSH, Firewall, Docker, TLS, HTTP Headers), CIS/PCI-DSS/HIPAA compliance mapping, 19-step production hardening, fleet management, and forensic evidence collection. Supports Hetzner, DigitalOcean, Vultr, and Linode. 13 MCP tools.
Category & Scope

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

Shellward Tools (6)

8-layer defense including prompt guard, input auditor, tool blocker, output scanner

Data loss prevention with full data return and outbound send blocking

PII detection for Chinese and international identifiers with low false positives

Injection detection with 37 rules covering Chinese and English

MCP tool-poisoning and rug-pull detection

Zero dependencies and zero configuration required

Kastell Tools (6)

Ready-to-Paste Client Configurations

Paste either (or both) of these JSON server blocks into your client config file (e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json).

Shellward Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "jnmetacode-shellward": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "jnmetacode-shellward"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Kastell Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "kastelldev-kastell": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "kastelldev-kastell"
      ],
      "env": {
        "KASTELL_API_KEY": "YOUR_KASTELL_API_KEY_HERE",
        "KASTELL_PROVIDER_TOKEN": "YOUR_KASTELL_PROVIDER_TOKEN_HERE",
        "KASTELL_SSH_KEY_PATH": "YOUR_KASTELL_SSH_KEY_PATH_HERE",
        "KASTELL_CONFIG_PATH": "YOUR_KASTELL_CONFIG_PATH_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

Frequently Asked Questions

Shellward is categorized under Security and uses a local stdio subprocess. In contrast, Kastell belongs to Security using local stdio subprocess. Select Shellward when you need capabilities focused on security and Kastell when you require tools for security.

More alternatives to Shellward More alternatives to Kastell Security category hub