diff --git a/gns3server/config.py b/gns3server/config.py
index 0aee21172..f82eff70d 100644
--- a/gns3server/config.py
+++ b/gns3server/config.py
@@ -225,6 +225,17 @@ class Config:
         except OSError as e:
             log.error(f"Could not read JWT secret key file '{jwt_secret_key_path}': {e}")
 
+    def _load_encryption_key(self):
+        """
+        Load the encryption key for sensitive data (API keys, etc.).
+        """
+        from .utils.encryption import init_encryption
+
+        try:
+            init_encryption(self._settings.Server.secrets_dir)
+        except Exception as e:
+            log.error(f"Could not initialize encryption: {e}")
+
     def _load_secret_files(self):
         """
         Load the secret files.
@@ -234,6 +245,7 @@ class Config:
             self._settings.Server.secrets_dir = os.path.dirname(self.server_config)
 
         self._load_jwt_secret_key()
+        self._load_encryption_key()
 
     def read_config(self):
         """