diff --git a/web/api.py b/web/api.py
index 189b9b2..4c245f2 100644
--- a/web/api.py
+++ b/web/api.py
@@ -1024,7 +1024,7 @@ def bootstrap(body: BootstrapRequest):
 # Environments (KIN-087)
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-VALID_AUTH_TYPES = {"password", "key"}
+VALID_AUTH_TYPES = {"password", "key", "ssh_key"}
 
 
 class EnvironmentCreate(BaseModel):
@@ -1167,6 +1167,8 @@ def create_environment(project_id: str, body: EnvironmentCreate):
         conn.close()
         if "UNIQUE constraint" in str(e):
             raise HTTPException(409, f"Environment '{body.name}' already exists for this project")
+        if "KIN_SECRET_KEY" in str(e):
+            raise HTTPException(503, "Server misconfiguration: KIN_SECRET_KEY is not set. Contact admin.")
         raise HTTPException(500, str(e))
     scan_task_id = None
     if body.is_installed: