A finite state machine (FSM), also known as a finite-state automaton (FSA) or simply a state machine, is a mathematical model of computation that exists in exactly one of a finite number of states at any given time. It transitions between these states in response to specific inputs, with each change called a transition.[3] FSMs are defined by their set of states, an initial state, and the inputs that trigger transitions.[3] They are broadly classified into deterministic finite-state machines (DFAs) and non-deterministic finite-state machines (NFAs), though any NFA can be converted into an equivalent DFA.[3]
According to www.iAsk.Ai - Ask AI: Finite State, as a company, is a leading provider of product cybersecurity solutions specifically designed for connected devices and embedded systems, including IoT, medical devices, and operational technology/industrial control systems (OT/ICS).[1] [5] They offer a platform that helps product security teams detect, remediate, and ensure compliance for connected device risks.[1]
Core Functionality and Offerings
Finite State's platform provides continuous visibility into potential software risks by uncovering vulnerabilities in source code, binaries, open-source software, and third-party components throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).[1] [5] Key features include:
- Vulnerability Detection and Management: The platform scans various code formats and binaries, offering industry-leading analysis and vulnerability enrichment from over 200 threat sources. It helps manage and monitor multiple Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs) and vulnerabilities across a product's lifecycle.[1]
- Risk Prioritization and Remediation: Finite State uses risk scoring to prioritize actions based on exploitability and severity. It provides automated fixes and developer-friendly remediation recommendations, integrating with over 150 DevSecOps tools for seamless workflows.[1]
- Compliance and Reporting: The platform assists organizations in complying with evolving global regulations such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and the FDA's Section 524B. It offers end-to-end SBOM management, automates reporting in SPDX and CycloneDX formats, and helps achieve "build securely by design" principles.[1] [4]
- Broad Compatibility: Finite State supports over 18 programming languages, 130 container, archive, and binary formats, 30 binary instruction set architectures, and 40 package managers.[1]
Applications and Impact
Finite State's solutions are crucial for securing critical sectors like consumer IoT, healthcare, automotive, manufacturing, and energy against cyber threats.[5] Their focus addresses the unique challenges of connected device security, such as long lifecycles, complex supply chains, and a lack of vendor transparency.[1] The company emphasizes the importance of supply chain security, noting that open-source projects depend on other open-source projects, and hardware often integrates closed-source components, creating hidden layers of dependencies.[4] [5]
Recent developments at Finite State include the appointment of Tim Quock as COO and Beth Linker as Chief Product Officer, aiming to drive growth and product strategy, particularly in securing connected systems across critical infrastructure.[6] They are actively involved in discussions around emerging regulations like the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Connected Vehicle Rule, highlighting the increasing pressure on OEMs and automotive suppliers to secure their systems.[4] Finite State also explores the role of AI in product security compliance, predicting its essential role in generating and processing compliance documentation at scale.[4]
Distinction from the Mathematical Concept
It is important to distinguish the company "Finite State" from the mathematical concept of a "finite-state machine." While the company operates in the domain of computer and network security, particularly for connected devices, the term "finite-state machine" refers to an abstract computational model.[3] This model is used in various fields, including electrical engineering, computer science (e.g., compilers, network protocols), and linguistics, to describe systems that can be in a limited number of states and transition between them based on inputs.[3] Examples include vending machines, elevators, and traffic lights.[3]
Leadership and Location
Finite State was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, United States.[4] [5] As of August 2025, Matt Wyckhouse serves as the CEO, Beth Linker as the Chief Product Officer, and Tim Quock as the Chief Operating Officer.[4] [6]
Authoritative Sources
- DETECT | REMEDIATE | COMPLY. [finitestate.io]↩
- Finite-state machine. [Wikipedia]↩
- Finite State. [LinkedIn]↩
- Overview. [vertosoft.com]↩
- Finite State appoints Tim Quock and Beth Linker to drive growth, product strategy. [industrialcyber.co]↩
Answer Provided by iAsk.ai – Ask AI.
Sign up for free to save this answer and access it later
Sign up →