Unsigned Drivers Are Not A Security Hole

Okay, lets get this clear, driver signing has nothing to do with security.  It might help stability, but security – nope, totally unrelated.  So when you see Windows developers posting under the title When people ask for security holes as features: Silent install of uncertified drivers, and then talk exclusively about system stability without mentioning security once you really have to wonder.

The security of the system has been breached long before the unsigned driver warning pops up – security is breached the minute the installer starts to run or possibly even by the time the installer downloads.

Now if someone would kindly explain to me why Windows 2003 Server refuses to load the drivers for our backup tape drive because they’re unsigned (ie: doesn’t provide a yes/no option dialog, just a notice to say it refused to load them) and how I might force it to play nice I’d appreciate it.  The whole signing system certainly hasn’t improved my user experience with Windows – it’s been nothing but a pain in the neck.