A system and approach having security assurance for a controller relative to outside connections such as internet. The controller may have locked and exposed modes. A locked mode may mean that the system is correctly configured in that security related settings meet minimum standards. For example, the controller is protected through sufficiently strong user accounts and passwords whether entered or by default. Also, there may be an entity, such as person or organization that has responsibility for securing the controller against undesired intrusions. In the exposed mode, where the system may be incorrectly configured, the controller may shut down some or all of the functionality that has relevance to remote access. In the exposed mode, a built-in web server may show one or more screens that allow one to access the controller. There may be security indicators, such as lights that indicate whether the controller is exposed or locked.