diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 16d48476..6a5d210f 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -19,7 +19,13 @@ git clone https://github.com/openSUSE/osem.git
 bundle install
 ```
 3. Install ImageMagick from your distribution repository
-4. Copy the sample configuration files and adapt them
+4. Generate secret key for devise and the rails app with 
+```
+rake secret
+```
+Look at config/config.yml.example.
+
+5. Copy the sample configuration files and adapt them
 ```
 cp config/config.yml.example config/config.yml
 cp config/database.yml.example config/database.yml
@@ -28,6 +34,7 @@ cp config/database.yml.example config/database.yml
 ```
 bundle exec rake db:setup
 ```
+
 7. Run OSEM
 ```
 rails server
diff --git a/config/config.yml.example b/config/config.yml.example
index 31ed06bc..f2e72703 100644
--- a/config/config.yml.example
+++ b/config/config.yml.example
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ defaults: &defaults
   # errbit configuration, get your own instance: https://github.com/errbit/errbit
   #errbit_key: 123456789101112131415
   #errbit_host: errbit.exmaple.com
+  cookies_secret_token: 'secretstringwhichshouldbechanged'
 
 development:
   <<: *defaults
diff --git a/config/initializers/secret_token.rb b/config/initializers/secret_token.rb
index 95330c8a..98825f4a 100644
--- a/config/initializers/secret_token.rb
+++ b/config/initializers/secret_token.rb
@@ -4,4 +4,4 @@
 # If you change this key, all old signed cookies will become invalid!
 # Make sure the secret is at least 30 characters and all random,
 # no regular words or you'll be exposed to dictionary attacks.
-Osem::Application.config.secret_token = '49fe86302d3297fdccac1614834f3036841416b22d0ea0b04ae140ce512e1d736f4ef796b85097cce902760071838b10d1ac0e3cf02f55fd2d1031d4fce2f956'
+Osem::Application.config.secret_token = CONFIG['cookies_secret_token']