diff --git a/shared/data_store/connect.py b/shared/data_store/connect.py
index 0bbf3af..6530e78 100644
--- a/shared/data_store/connect.py
+++ b/shared/data_store/connect.py
@@ -9,6 +9,21 @@ from minio import Minio
 def connect(
 ) -> Minio:
     """Connect to MinIO server"""
+    # ensure necessary env vars available
+    necesasary_var_list = [
+        'MINIO_ENDPOINT',
+        'MINIO_ACCESS_KEY',
+        'MINIO_SECRET_KEY',
+        'MINIO_BUCKET_NAME',
+    ]
+    for env_var in necesasary_var_list:
+        # ensure env var set
+        assert (
+            env_var in os.environ
+        ), (
+            f"environment variable not set: {env_var}"
+        )
+    # prepare arguments
     minio_endpoint = os.getenv('MINIO_ENDPOINT', default=None)
     assert isinstance(minio_endpoint, str)
     minio_access_key = os.getenv('MINIO_ACCESS_KEY', default=None)