A dual-mode computing system and machine-implemented method for providing an indication of an operating mode of the system. The system including a processor, a memory storing verified code, a secure memory coupled to a processor and a developer mode indicator coupled to the secure memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute verified code to perform operations comprising initiating boot up of the system. The operations further comprising accessing a developer mode state stored within the secure memory to determine whether the system is in developer mode, wherein the developer mode allows the system to execute unverified code, activating the developer mode indicator when it is determined that the system is in developer mode and locking the secure memory to ignore subsequent calls to modify the developer mode state when it is determined that the system is in developer mode.