# Crypto Kakadu Alternative: reconstructing device transfers and .kkd backups

> Crypto Kakadu Alternative reconstructs the Crypto Kakadu password manager's serial database transfer and .kkd backup format from analysis of its Java manager and device behavior. Four PureBasic utilities read and upload device databases and convert between JSON and AES-encrypted .kkd files; protocol notes record commands, row layouts and encryption details.

- Type: Case study
- Targets: Protocol
- Category: Independent reconstruction cases
- Relationship: Independent reconstruction project
- Sources reviewed: 2026-11-06
- Added to the catalog: 2026-11-08
- Original resource: <https://github.com/CheshirCa/Crypto-Kakadu-CLI-tools>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/CheshirCa/Crypto-Kakadu-CLI-tools/blob/90440cdf0ed70b1352f946378997aebba7b11a20/readme.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/crypto-kakadu-alternative-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/crypto-kakadu-alternative-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/crypto-kakadu-alternative-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** Crypto Kakadu hardware is required for device read and upload; the project reports compatibility with manager 2.3.1 and device firmware 1.5.0.
- **Prerequisites:** PureBasic is required to build the utilities.
- **License:** The custom noncommercial licence requires attribution and separate written permission for commercial use.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/CheshirCa/Crypto-Kakadu-CLI-tools/blob/90440cdf0ed70b1352f946378997aebba7b11a20/readme.md>
2. <https://github.com/CheshirCa/Crypto-Kakadu-CLI-tools/blob/90440cdf0ed70b1352f946378997aebba7b11a20/Protocols%20Documentation/Crypto%20Kakadu%20device%20protocol%20notes.md>
3. <https://github.com/CheshirCa/Crypto-Kakadu-CLI-tools/blob/90440cdf0ed70b1352f946378997aebba7b11a20/Protocols%20Documentation/Crypto%20Kakadu%20kkd%20encryption%20notes.md>

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## About this entry

The description was reviewed against primary sources.
Original editorial content: MIT. Linked projects, papers and assets retain their own rights and licenses.