diff --git a/README.rst b/README.rst
index ffecd5bc6552..3606057ff706 100644
--- a/README.rst
+++ b/README.rst
@@ -60,9 +60,12 @@ Meson Build system: [required]
 for the libcamera core: [required]
         libyaml-dev python3-yaml python3-ply python3-jinja2
 
-for IPA module signing: [optional]
+for IPA module signing: [recommended]
         libgnutls28-dev openssl
 
+        Without IPA module signing, all IPA modules will be isolated in a
+        separate process. This adds an unnecessary extra overhead at runtime.
+
 for improved debugging: [optional]
         libdw-dev libunwind-dev
 
diff --git a/src/libcamera/meson.build b/src/libcamera/meson.build
index ff0e31ebcb63..8580feed3846 100644
--- a/src/libcamera/meson.build
+++ b/src/libcamera/meson.build
@@ -71,6 +71,8 @@ libyaml = dependency('yaml-0.1', required : false)
 
 if libgnutls.found()
     config_h.set('HAVE_GNUTLS', 1)
+else
+    warning('gnutls not found, all IPA modules will be isolated')
 endif
 
 if liblttng.found()
diff --git a/src/meson.build b/src/meson.build
index 65276fc74606..f37c44ca9f60 100644
--- a/src/meson.build
+++ b/src/meson.build
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ if openssl.found()
     config_h.set('HAVE_IPA_PUBKEY', 1)
     ipa_sign_module = true
 else
+    warning('openssl not found, all IPA modules will be isolated')
     ipa_sign_module = false
 endif