diff --git a/backend/routes/portal_services.py b/backend/routes/portal_services.py
index 6718bac..6c65904 100644
--- a/backend/routes/portal_services.py
+++ b/backend/routes/portal_services.py
@@ -106,17 +106,12 @@ def portal_launch_otb_cloud():
         flash("Please sign in to access services.", "warning")
         return redirect(url_for("portal_login"))
 
-    uid = (
-        session.get("portal_user_id")
-        or session.get("client_id")
-        or session.get("user_id")
-    )
+    uid = session.get("portal_client_id")
+    email = session.get("portal_email")
 
-    email = (
-        session.get("portal_email")
-        or session.get("email")
-        or "unknown@example.com"
-    )
+    if not uid or not email:
+        flash("Unable to launch OTB Cloud because the portal session is missing required account details.", "danger")
+        return redirect(url_for("portal_services.portal_services_home"))
 
     url = build_otb_cloud_handoff_url(uid, email)
     return redirect(url)