> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.nightfall.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.nightfall.ai/developer-api/nightfall_apis/nightfall-model-context-protocol-mcp-server/getting-started.md).

# Getting Started

### **Technical Specifications**

| Property            | Value                                   |
| ------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| **Endpoint**        | `https://api.nightfall.ai/mcp`          |
| **Protocol**        | MCP Streamable HTTP (JSON-RPC 2.0)      |
| **Authentication**  | Bearer token (Nightfall API key)        |
| **Available Tools** | 16 integrated security operations tools |

### Getting Started

#### Prerequisites

Before connecting to the Nightfall MCP server, ensure you have:

1. An active Nightfall subscription with appropriate permissions
2. A Nightfall API key from the Developer Platform
3. An MCP-compatible AI client (Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, or custom)

#### Generating Your API Key

1. Log in to the Nightfall Dashboard at <https://app.nightfall.ai>
2. Navigate to **Developer Platform > API Keys**
3. Click **Generate New Key** and provide a descriptive name (e.g., "Claude MCP Integration")
4. Copy the generated key immediately - it will only be shown once
5. Store the key securely (password manager recommended)

**⚠️ Security Note**: Your API key provides full access to your Nightfall data. Never commit it to version control or share it publicly.

### Connecting Your AI Client

The Nightfall MCP server supports any MCP-compatible client. Below are configuration examples for popular AI tools.

#### Claude Desktop

Add the following configuration to your Claude Desktop config file:

* **macOS**: `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`
* **Windows**: `%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json`

json

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "nightfall": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "mcp-remote@latest",
        "https://api.nightfall.ai/mcp",
        "--header",
        "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_NIGHTFALL_API_KEY"
      ]
    }
  }
}
```

Replace `YOUR_NIGHTFALL_API_KEY` with your actual API key, then restart Claude Desktop.

#### Cursor

Open **Cursor Settings > MCP** and add:

json

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "nightfall": {
      "url": "https://api.nightfall.ai/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_NIGHTFALL_API_KEY"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

#### Windsurf

Add to `~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json`:

json

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "nightfall": {
      "serverUrl": "https://api.nightfall.ai/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_NIGHTFALL_API_KEY"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

#### Custom Integration

For custom MCP clients, connect using Streamable HTTP transport:

```
POST https://api.nightfall.ai/mcp
Authorization: Bearer YOUR_NIGHTFALL_API_KEY
Content-Type: application/json
```

The server operates in stateless mode and returns `application/json` responses.


---

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