diff --git a/kippo.tac b/kippo.tac
index a9534c72..9114fe64 100644
--- a/kippo.tac
+++ b/kippo.tac
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # Copyright (c) 2009 Upi Tamminen <desaster@gmail.com>
 # See the COPYRIGHT file for more information
 
-import sys
+import sys, os
 if sys.platform == 'win32':
     import os, inspect
     # this is when just running on win32
@@ -13,6 +13,15 @@ from twisted.internet import reactor, defer
 from twisted.application import internet, service
 from twisted.cred import portal
 from twisted.conch.ssh import factory, keys
+
+if os.name == 'posix' and os.getuid() == 0:
+    print 'ERROR: You must not run kippo as root!'
+    sys.exit(1)
+
+if not os.path.exists('kippo.cfg'):
+    print 'ERROR: kippo.cfg is missing!'
+    sys.exit(1)
+
 from kippo.core import honeypot
 from kippo.core.config import config