Finite State Blog

Continuous Visibility & Connected Device Security

Written by Ryan Owen | Nov 3, 2023 3:05:00 PM

As more companies integrate their systems into the world of connected devices, IoT, and OT, the question of software transparency has gained fresh importance in conference room (and Zoom-call) discussions. Software transparency doesn't just revolve around the concept of trust. It also means getting the continuous visibility you need to make sure that your devices and the software powering them are free from vulnerabilities.

Why Software Transparency is Crucial for Security

Any supply chain, and especially those that deliver software and its components, is intricate and, increasingly complex with the number of suppliers and their geographic locations growing. Every component that goes into a piece of software, every library it uses, every protocol it follows, comes from different sources. In this complex web, it's easy for vulnerabilities to sneak in unnoticed. The only way to stay on top of these potential threats is through software transparency and the comprehensive monitoring it enables.

Enter the new dashboards within the Finite State Next Generation Platform.

Next Gen Dashboards:  Single Pane of Glass Transparency

The Finite State Next Generation Platform has revolutionized the way companies look at their software's security and that's continued with our new dashboards, released just last week. You can learn more about those here, but here's a quick summary if you want to stay on-page: 

  1. Seamless Monitoring: With an intuitive design, users get an immediate snapshot of their software supply chain security posture. Every widget, every data visualization speaks volumes about potential threats, vulnerabilities, and overall security health.

  2. Artifact-Specific Risk Views: One of the standout features is the detailed risk profile for specific artifacts. This laser-focused approach lets companies drill down into individual components of their software, understand their vulnerabilities, and act swiftly.

  3. Dashboard Highlights: Whether it's understanding the current risk status of an artifact or tracking how the risk associated with it evolves over time, our Next Gen dashboards offer clear visuals that communicate complex data in a digestible form.

  4. Comprehensive Insights: The Next Gen platform doesn't just throw data at users. Instead, it breaks it down into specific categories like code defects, configuration issues, and other potential vulnerabilities. The platform provides a granular view of where each vulnerability stands, the most common threats, and the latest intelligence on potential exploits.

  5. Benefits of a Robust Dashboard: With such a comprehensive platform, companies can proactively manage risks, streamline operations with automation, and enhance collaboration between teams, thanks to shared data views and reports.

Need Continuous Visibility? Why Choose Finite State? 

But what truly sets the Finite State Next Gen platform apart is its extensive SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) management. With the capacity to ingest and aggregate data from over 150 external sources, this platform offers an unparalleled view into the software supply chain.

Highlights of the platform include:

  • Extended SBOM Management: The platform can generate, collect, visualize, and distribute SBOMs, offering a clear picture of the entire software supply chain.

  • Integration with 150+ Scanners and Feeds: With the ability to ingest scans from a vast array of sources, it provides a comprehensive and unified tool to defend any product or system.

  • Context-Aware Recommendations: Not only does the platform highlight potential threats, but it also offers remediation guidance. It aggregates results from all scans, providing context-aware solutions to tackle vulnerabilities.

  • Enhanced SBOM Capabilities: Every product or asset is decomposed into its many components, ensuring a detailed and focused risk assessment.

  • Robust Scoring Methodology: Backed by sophisticated risk prioritization, the platform conveys clear risk levels, helping organizations prioritize their responses.

Amid the data breaches and growing cybersecurity concerns that haunt our headlines every day, platforms like Finite State's Next Gen Platform offer the continuous visibility you need to achieve software supply chain transparency. They emphasize the importance of transparency, proactive risk management, and the need for advanced tools to navigate the intricate world of software supply chains. As the digital landscape expands, such tools aren't just a luxury, they're a necessity.

Learn more about the Finite State Next Generation Platform!