When the secrets file is lost If you didn’t back up the secrets file, you must complete several steps toget GitLab working properly again.
The secrets file is responsible for storing the encryption key forthe columns that contain required, sensitive information. If the key is lost, GitLab can’t decrypt those columns, preventing access tothe following items:
CI/CD variables Kubernetes / GCP integration Custom Pages domains Project error tracking Runner authentication Project mirroring Web hooks In cases like CI/CD variables and runner authentication, you can experience unexpected behaviors, such as: