diff --git a/src/secret_handler.py b/src/secret_handler.py
index 724a972..33d66a5 100644
--- a/src/secret_handler.py
+++ b/src/secret_handler.py
@@ -1,3 +1,12 @@
+import sys
+
 def return_credentials(path: str)->str:
-	with open (path) as file:
-	    return file.read().strip()
\ No newline at end of file
+	try:
+		with open (path) as file:
+			return file.read().strip()
+	except FileNotFoundError:
+		print(f"[FATAL] Secret file not found: {path}")
+		sys.exit(1)
+	except Exception as e:
+		print(f"[FATAL] Failed to read secret file {path}: {e}")
+		sys.exit(1)