Katla

An encrypted vault for your API keys and passwords. Built for developers who use AI agents (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.) in their daily work.

License: MIT Python 3.10+ Tests

Why I built this

I work with AI agents every day. They need my API keys for Stripe, LinkedIn, Meta, Google, and a dozen other services.

The problem: traditional password managers aren't built for the AI era. Either the agent sees all values in plaintext, or the entire flow gets blocked behind UI that doesn't work for automation.

I wanted something different:

• A vault that lives on my own machine, not in the cloud
• The AI agent must ask me first before it gets sensitive keys
• Mobile approval via Telegram (one tap, done)
• $0 per month instead of a subscription

So I built it myself. In a day. And now I'm releasing it for free.

What it does

• Encrypts your passwords locally with the same technology banks use (Argon2id + AES)
• Three security tiers, everyday API keys just work, sensitive stuff requires approval on your phone
• Three ways to use it: command line, Telegram bot, or a web dashboard on your own computer
• No subscriptions. No cloud costs. No limits.

Quick start (60 seconds)

git clone https://github.com/wilhelmsson424-jpg/katla.git
cd katla
pip install -r requirements.txt
python -m katla unlock
python -m katla add MY_FIRST_KEY low

A more detailed guide is in docs/ARCHITECTURE.md.

Is it secure?

Yes. I've put the system through several security rounds. Everything is open source, feel free to review the code yourself. If you find security issues, please open an issue.

But: security is never 100%. Read docs/THREAT_MODEL.md for what Katla protects against and what it does NOT protect against.

Want to contribute?

Yes, please. This is open source under MIT, do what you want with it. Improvements, bug fixes, new features: send a pull request.

If you find it useful, please consider giving it a star, it helps others discover the project.

Thanks for checking this out

I'm Rickard, a solo developer in Jönköping, Sweden. This is my way of giving back to the open source community I use every day.

Feel free to reach out: LinkedIn

Inspired by Astrid Lindgren's The Brothers Lionheart, Katla, the dragon who guards the cave.

MIT License, use as you wish.