diff --git a/gns3server/config.py b/gns3server/config.py
index f82eff70d..e478c50e8 100644
--- a/gns3server/config.py
+++ b/gns3server/config.py
@@ -261,6 +261,8 @@ class Config:
         if not parsed_files:
             log.warning("No configuration file could be found or read")
             self._settings = ServerConfig()
+            # Still load secret files even without a config file
+            self._load_secret_files()
             return
 
         for file in parsed_files: