diff --git a/configuration/configuration.py b/configuration/configuration.py
index 7d5477c..639e1b6 100644
--- a/configuration/configuration.py
+++ b/configuration/configuration.py
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ REDIS = {
 # For optimal security, SECRET_KEY should be at least 50 characters in length and contain a mix of letters, numbers, and
 # symbols. NetBox will not run without this defined. For more information, see
 # https://docs.djangoproject.com/en/stable/ref/settings/#std:setting-SECRET_KEY
-SECRET_KEY = _read_secret('secret_key', environ.get('SECRET_KEY'))
+SECRET_KEY = _read_secret('secret_key', environ.get('SECRET_KEY', ''))
 
 
 #########################