diff --git a/content/tutorial-rippled-setup.md b/content/tutorial-rippled-setup.md
index 7b0ba82e6a..01489f2ee5 100644
--- a/content/tutorial-rippled-setup.md
+++ b/content/tutorial-rippled-setup.md
@@ -218,11 +218,13 @@ Running a `rippled` validator that participates in the Consensus process is simp
             "validation_seed" : "ssdecohJMDPFuUPDkmG1w4objZyp4"
         }
 
-4. Add the generated validator signing key from above to your `rippled.cfg`:
+4. Edit your `rippled.cfg` file to add the `validation_seed` value you generated in step 3:
 
         [validation_seed]
         ssdecohJMDPFuUPDkmG1w4objZyp4
 
+    **Warning:** Be sure to use your own unique random seed, and keep it secure! If others know your `validation_seed`, they can forge validations from your server.
+
 5. Restart `rippled` validator:
 
         $ sudo service rippled restart
diff --git a/tutorial-rippled-setup.html b/tutorial-rippled-setup.html
index 3367df7e70..cf2313c7d5 100644
--- a/tutorial-rippled-setup.html
+++ b/tutorial-rippled-setup.html
@@ -379,10 +379,11 @@ $ sudo apt-get install yum-utils alien
 </code></pre>
 </li>
 <li>
-<p>Add the generated validator signing key from above to your <code>rippled.cfg</code>:</p>
+<p>Edit your <code>rippled.cfg</code> file to add the <code>validation_seed</code> value you generated in step 3:</p>
 <pre><code>[validation_seed]
 ssdecohJMDPFuUPDkmG1w4objZyp4
 </code></pre>
+<p class="devportal-callout warning"><strong>Warning:</strong> Be sure to use your own unique random seed, and keep it secure! If others know your <code>validation_seed</code>, they can forge validations from your server.</p>
 </li>
 <li>
 <p>Restart <code>rippled</code> validator:</p>