67: Coding as a Springboard Into Cybersecurity with Matt Wyckhouse

(CS)²AI Podcast Show: Control System Cyber Security

Today, Derek Harp interviews Matt Wyckhouse, the Founder and CEO of Finite State.

Before founding Finite State, Matt spent 15 years leading and developing advanced solutions to some of the hardest problems in cyber security, with experience across the spectrum of offensive and defensive cyber operations. Notably, he was the technical founder and CTO of Battelle's Cyber Innovations business unit. Throughout his career, Matt has spearheaded complex national security programs ranging from the detection of malicious integrated circuits in the supply chain to next-generation intrusion detection systems for automotive systems. Matt directed numerous intelligence programs related to the security of embedded and IoT devices and has been a speaker on the subject at security events.

Matt grew up in Ohio, in a small suburb outside of Toledo. In addition to being an entrepreneur and technologist, he is also a husband, chef, foodie, world traveler, and water sports enthusiast! In this episode, he shares his backstory, discusses his education and professional journey, and offers nuggets of advice for anyone looking to get into cybersecurity.

Show highlights:

• Matt was in a gifted program in elementary school and started writing codes. He also did a fair amount of programming on the side when in high school.
• Matt did an internship and spent 13 years with the Battelle Center for Science, Engineering, and Public Policy at the Ohio State University.
• Matt explains why he believes in the power of internships.
• Matt discusses the benefits of mentorship and explains how it played out for him early on and the role it plays today.
• The various projects and programs Matt worked on at Battelle.
• How did Matt become a technical leader of the brand-new cybersecurity business unit at Battelle?
• What led to Matt leaving Battelle?
• Matt talks about what he did after leaving Battelle and before founding Finite State.
• Things Matt was afraid of when thinking of starting a company.
• Matt offers advice for anyone contemplating starting a company.
• What does it take for entrepreneurs to raise capital to start a business?
• What does Finite State focus on, and who do they serve?