diff --git a/backend/apps/github/common.py b/backend/apps/github/common.py
index 6f7cefeae..17d24c58e 100644
--- a/backend/apps/github/common.py
+++ b/backend/apps/github/common.py
@@ -38,6 +38,8 @@ def sync_issue(issue_link):
         raise ValidationError(INVALID_ISSUE_LINK_FORMAT)
 
     github_token = os.getenv("GITHUB_TOKEN")
+    if not github_token:
+        raise ValidationError("GitHub token not found in environment variables.")
     github_client = Github(github_token)
 
     issue_number = int(path_parts[3])