Identity at the Center

Identity at the Center is a weekly podcast all about identity security in the context of identity and access management (IAM). With decades of real-world IAM experience, hosts Jim McDonald and Jeff Steadman bring you conversations with news, topics, and guests from the identity management industry. Do you know who has access to what?

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Top 10 Identity at the Center Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Identity at the Center episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Identity at the Center for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Identity at the Center episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

#289 - DevOps Insights at Texas A&M University with Adam Mikeal

Identity at the Center

06/10/24 • 64 min

In this episode of the Identity at the Center podcast, hosts Jeff and Jim return from Identiverse 2024 and share their experiences from the conference held in Las Vegas. They discuss notable moments, including unique conference swag and memorable interactions. Special guest Adam Michael, CISO and adjunct professor at Texas A&M University, joins the conversation to discuss the evolution of identity management to identity security at the university. Adam delves into the complexities of managing identity in a higher education environment and shares insights on implementing DevOps practices. The episode covers topics like AI's impact on teaching, infrastructure as code, ROI of identity security projects, and the challenges and benefits of centralizing IT services.

Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amikeal/

The Phoenix Project (book): https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Project-DevOps-Helping-Business/dp/0988262592

Attending Identity Week in Europe, America, or Asia? Use our discount code IDAC30 for 30% off your registration fee! Learn more at:

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

Jim McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmcdonaldpmp/

Jeff Steadman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsteadman/

Visit the show on the web at idacpodcast.com and follow @IDACPodcast on Twitter.

🔑 Episode Keywords

Higher Education, Identity Security, Devops, Iam, Identity Management, Identity Governance, Zero Trust, Texas A&M University, Identity Infrastructure, Digital Identity, Cybersecurity, Cloud Technology, Commercial Identity Systems, Identity Authentication, Federated Identity, Identity Lifecycle, Identity Verification, Identity Apis, Identity And Access Management, Identity Solutions

#273 - CHIDO, SAP IAM, and EIC 2024 with Martin Kuppinger of KuppingerCole Analysts

Identity at the Center

04/08/24 • 57 min

In this episode, hosts Jim and Jeff sit down with Martin Kuppinger, Founder and Principal Analyst at KuppingerCole Analysts. Making his fourth appearance on the show, Martin shares what he's been up to since the last time they spoke in July 2023. The conversation also explores Martin's insights on who should be in charge of IAM and the role of the CISO, based on his LinkedIn post. The hosts and Martin then delve into a discussion about the upcoming 2024 European Identity and Cloud Conference in Berlin. Martin shares his impressions of the city, provides details about the conference, and gives advice for first-time attendees. They also discuss the main themes of this year's conference and what he's excited for. Finally, they discuss a KuppingerCole blog post about the end-of-life of SAP Identity Management.

Connect with Martin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinkuppinger/

Who should be in charge of IAM? And what's the role of the CISO?: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/who-should-charge-iam-whats-role-ciso-martin-kuppinger-vpncc/?trackingId=94hCoE7ifcjDrxv93V72lw%3D%3D

SAP Identity Management End-of-Life: What’s Next?: https://www.kuppingercole.com/blog/kuppinger/sap-identity-management-end-of-life-whats-next

Identiverse 2024: As an IDAC listener, you can register with 25% off by using code IDV24-IDAC25 at https://events.identiverse.com/identiverse2024/register?code=IDV24-IDAC25

Attending the European Identity and Cloud Conference in Berlin? Use Discount Code: EIC24idac25 for 25% off. Register at https://www.kuppingercole.com/events/eic2024

Attending Identity Week in Europe, America, or Asia? Use our discount code IDAC30 for 30% off your registration fee! Learn more at:

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

Jim McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmcdonaldpmp/

Jeff Steadman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsteadman/

Visit the show on the web at idacpodcast.com and follow @IDACPodcast on Twitter.

#272 - IDAC Sponsor Spotlight - Salto

Identity at the Center

04/03/24 • 49 min

In this sponsored episode, our hosts Jim and Jeff have an in-depth conversation with Gil Hoffer, the Co-Founder and CTO of Salto. They explore Gil's journey into the world of identity, the inception of Salto, and how the company is setting new standards in the field. The discussion delves into the unique features and benefits of Salto's services, as well as how organizations can measure their success with Salto. Listen in to learn about Salto's role in managing configurations and their vision for the future.

Connect with Gil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilhoffer/

Learn more about Salto: https://www.salto.io/idac

Salto on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@salto-io

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

Jim McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmcdonaldpmp/

Jeff Steadman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsteadman/

Visit the show on the web at idacpodcast.com and follow @IDACPodcast on Twitter.

#329 - Discovering Effective User Access Reviews with Stephen Washington

Identity at the Center

02/03/25 • 69 min

In this episode of the Identity at the Center podcast, hosts Jeff and Jim discuss the vital role of user access reviews, device identity, and the evolving landscape of Identity Access Management (IAM) with guest Stephen Washington, Head of IAM at Discover Financial. The conversation delves into regulatory compliance, the use of AI in IAM, and practical steps for improving user access certifications. They also explore the importance of managing service accounts, innovations in IGA, and the role of identity in modern cybersecurity frameworks. The episode wraps up on a lighter note with a chat about fitness challenges like Tough Mudder and personal cheese preferences for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Regulatory Compliance in Financial Services 01:54 Welcome to the Identity at the Center Podcast 02:07 Exploring Device Identity 03:19 The Role of Identity in Modern Security 06:44 Engaging with the IAM Community 10:31 Upcoming Conferences and Events 13:58 Interview with Stephen Washington 25:36 The Importance of User Access Reviews 33:55 Backend Changes in IGA Systems 35:04 The Concept of Identity Data Lake 36:37 AI and Identity Fatigue 37:22 Importance of Identity Hygiene 38:32 Challenges with Access Reviews 39:42 Regulatory Compliance and Policy Changes 41:06 Advice for Practitioners on Access Reviews 45:47 NYDFS and User Access Reviews 47:41 The Role of NIST Cybersecurity Framework 52:35 Training Auditors and Policy-Based Access Control 57:38 Fitness and Stress Relief 01:05:38 Grilled Cheese and Final Thoughts

Connect with Stephen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-washington-jr-5569b57/

Gartner IAM Summit - Code IDAC425 saves 425€: https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/emea/identity-access-management-uk

European Identity and Cloud Conference 2025 - Use code idac25mko for 25% off: https://www.kuppingercole.com/events/eic2025?ref=partneridac

Identiverse 2025 - Use code IDV25-IDAC25 for 25% off: https://identiverse.com/

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

Jim McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmcdonaldpmp/

Jeff Steadman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsteadman/

Visit the show on the web at http://idacpodcast.com

#306 - Sponsor Spotlight - Panini

Identity at the Center

09/19/24 • 47 min

In this sponsored episode of the Identity at the Center podcast, brought to you by Panini, hosts Jeff and Jim interview Marta Nappo, the Strategic Marketing and Business Development Director at Panini. Marta discusses Panini's evolution from a leading check scanner company to entering the identity verification market with their new solution called BioCred. Panini, a company with 79 years of history, is launching a patented method for biometric credential verification aimed at financial services and healthcare sectors, among others. Marta shares insights into Panini's approach to privacy by not storing personal data on servers and highlights the potential of their cloud-based infrastructure to integrate into customer workflows. The conversation touches on the benefits of reliable biometric authentication in reducing fraud, improving customer experience, and enhancing operational efficiency. They also explore use cases in financial services, healthcare, and more.

00:00 Welcome to the Identity at the Center Podcast

02:44 Meet Marta Nappo

03:02 Marta's Career Journey

05:20 Panini's New Identity Solution: BioCred

06:11 Global Expansion and Market Presence

08:18 Identity Verification Challenges and Solutions

11:58 Privacy and Data Security

15:28 Future of Identity Verification

21:58 Customer Feedback and Future Plans

25:01 Initial Impressions and Expectations

25:26 Lowering Barriers and Building Trust

26:07 Market Growth and Challenges

27:05 Real-World Use Cases

28:05 Identity Verification in Various Sectors

35:24 Measuring Success and Benefits

38:53 Volleyball and Life Lessons

45:24 Fun with Volleyball and Dogs

46:47 Conclusion and Farewell

Learn more about Panini: https://www.panini.com/

Connect with Marta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martanappo/

Dog playing volleyball: https://youtube.com/shorts/QSCMJQo6kps?si=CN-2lGTEx0T4nBAC

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

Jim McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmcdonaldpmp/

Jeff Steadman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsteadman/

Visit the show on the web at idacpodcast.com and watch at https://www.youtube.com/@idacpodcast

#260 - Passkeys with Daniel Grube of TikTok

Identity at the Center

02/19/24 • 48 min

In this engaging episode of the Identity at the Center podcast, hosts Jeff Steadman and Jim McDonald welcome Daniel Grube, Product Manager at TikTok, back to the show. The discussion kicks off with Jeff's experience with the Apple Vision Pro, leading into a vibrant conversation about the Super Bowl, commercials, and personal tech preferences. The main topic of the episode is the innovative implementation and benefits of passkeys, with Daniel sharing insights from TikTok's perspective. The episode also touches on upcoming conferences, the importance of community reviews, and concludes with a light-hearted debate on the perennial traveler's dilemma: window vs. aisle seats.

Connect with Daniel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-grube-b5118993/

Identiverse 2024: As an IDAC listener, you can register with 25% off by using code IDV24-IDAC25 at https://events.identiverse.com/identiverse2024/register?code=IDV24-IDAC25.

Attending Identity Week in Europe, America, or Asia? Use our discount code IDAC30 for 30% off your registration fee! Learn more at:

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

Jim McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmcdonaldpmp/

Jeff Steadman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsteadman/

Visit the show on the web at idacpodcast.com and follow @IDACPodcast on Twitter.

#276 - CloudSec with Kat Traxler of TrustOnCloud

Identity at the Center

04/22/24 • 62 min

In this thought-provoking episode of Identity at the Center, hosts Jim McDonald and Jeff Steadman engage in a candid conversation with security researcher Kat Traxler from TrustOnCloud. They delve into the intricacies of cloud identity management, discussing the unique challenges and strategies for securing assets in cloud environments like GCP and AWS. Kat sheds light on the importance of understanding the resource hierarchy in GCP and the nuances that differentiate it from AWS. The trio also explores the evolution of IAM tools and their applicability in the cloud, the debate between least privilege and zero standing privilege, and the ongoing journey toward securing the cloud beyond IAM.

As they unpack the complexities of cloud security, Kat shares her insights on the significance of asset inventories and the impact of policy inheritance on cloud platforms. The conversation also touches on the future of cloud security conferences and the value of hands-on experiences in understanding cloud security. Amidst the technical deep dive, the episode takes a lighter turn as the hosts and guest contemplate what life might look like outside the realm of technology, revealing personal aspirations ranging from farming to bronze sculpting.

For those looking to expand their cloud security knowledge, Kat recommends checking out the GCP 101 series on her blog and the Forward Cloud SEC conference for a comprehensive learning experience.

Connect with Kat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-traxler-85a6592/

GCP 101 Series (Blog): https://kattraxler.cloud/gcp/iam/101/2024/03/03/gcp-series-101.html

Google Cloud Adoption Framework: https://cloud.google.com/adoption-framework

Learn more about TrustOnCloud: https://trustoncloud.com/

fwd:cloudsec conference: https://fwdcloudsec.org/

Identiverse 2024: As an IDAC listener, you can register with 25% off by using code IDV24-IDAC25 at https://events.identiverse.com/identiverse2024/register?code=IDV24-IDAC25

Attending the European Identity and Cloud Conference in Berlin? Use Discount Code: EIC24idac25 for 25% off. Register at https://www.kuppingercole.com/events/eic2024

Attending Identity Week in Europe, America, or Asia? Use our discount code IDAC30 for 30% off your registration fee! Learn more at:

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

Jim McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmcdonaldpmp/

Jeff Steadman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsteadman/

Visit the show on the web at idacpodcast.com and follow @IDACPodcast on Twitter.

#261 - IDAC Sponsor Spotlight - rf IDEAS

Identity at the Center

02/21/24 • 50 min

In this episode of the Identity at the Center podcast, hosts Jim and Jeff dive deep into the world of physical security and identity with special guests Sara King and Raul Cepeda from rf IDEAS. As part of the "Sponsor Spotlight" series, this fully sponsored episode provides in-depth insights into the innovative solutions offered by rf IDEAS. The discussion covers a range of topics, including the differentiation factors of rf IDEAS in a crowded market, their market presence in various verticals such as healthcare and manufacturing, and their support for passwordless environments. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the latest industry trends, such as the migration to secure and mobile credentials, the shift from BLE to NFC, and the importance of securing frontline worker shared workstations. The episode concludes with a lively discussion on the future of biometrics and the Reader Remote Management (RRM) capabilities provided by rf IDEAS. Tune in to discover how rf IDEAS is bridging physical and logical security to create a seamless authentication experience. Don't miss this engaging episode as Jim, Jeff, Sara, and Raul explore the latest advancements in physical security and identity, brought to you by rf IDEAS.

Learn more about rf IDEAS: https://www.rfideas.com/IDAC

Connect with Raul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raulcepedajr/

Connect with Sara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraking62389/

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

Jim McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmcdonaldpmp/

Jeff Steadman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsteadman/

Visit the show on the web at idacpodcast.com and follow @IDACPodcast on Twitter.

#266 - Identity Wallets with Nick Mothershaw of The Open Identity Exchange

Identity at the Center

03/11/24 • 62 min

In this episode, hosts Jim McDonald and Jeff Steadman engage in a fascinating conversation with guest Nick Mothershaw, Chief Identity Strategist at Open Identity Exchange (OIX). They delve deep into topics such as the concept and functionality of digital wallets, the role of governments in issuing these wallets, and the exciting future of smart and roaming wallets. They also discuss the importance of biometrics in wallet functionality. This engaging discussion provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of identity security.

Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-mothershaw-2150436/

Learn more about the Open Identity Exchange: https://openidentityexchange.org/

Governments and Digital Wallets - An OIX Whitepaper: https://openidentityexchange.org/networks/87/item.html?id=706

Identiverse 2024: As an IDAC listener, you can register with 25% off by using code IDV24-IDAC25 at https://events.identiverse.com/identiverse2024/register?code=IDV24-IDAC25

Attending Identity Week in Europe, America, or Asia? Use our discount code IDAC30 for 30% off your registration fee! Learn more at:

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

Jim McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmcdonaldpmp/

Jeff Steadman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsteadman/

Visit the show on the web at idacpodcast.com and follow @IDACPodcast on Twitter.

#344 - IDAC + IDPro with Heather Flanagan

Identity at the Center

04/21/25 • 54 min

In this episode of the Identity at the Center Podcast, hosts Jeff and Jim enthusiastically announce that their podcast is now the official podcast of IDPro. Heather Flanagan, the Executive Director of IDPro, joins the discussion to share insights about the previous IDPro Show, the time and resource constraints of producing it, and the transition to making Identity at the Center the official IDPro podcast. They also discuss her global travels and participation in various identity-related conferences, including EIC and Identiverse. They also delve into the ID Pro's Slack community, the CIDPRO certification, and the Identity Salon initiative. The episode concludes with discussions about upcoming personal travel plans and their experiences in organizing and attending identity industry events.

Chapters

00:00 Exciting Announcement: Official Podcast of IDPro01:54 Introduction and Casual Banter03:23 Conference Season and Identity Beers06:39 Welcoming Heather Flanagan08:22 IDPro and Community Building15:05 The CIDPRO Certification19:59 The Identity Salon27:30 IDPro's Global Presence and Challenges28:54 IDPro at EIC: Workshops and Job Descriptions31:15 Addressing the Identity Talent Shortage33:14 The Origin and Culture of Identity Beers35:07 IDPro's Role at Identiverse38:55 The Rigors of the CIDPRO Exam40:26 Balancing Travel and Personal Life46:09 Vacation Planning Styles52:40 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

Connect with Heather: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hlflanagan/

Learn more about IDPro: https://idpro.org/

The Identity Salon: https://theidentitysalon.com/

Identibeer tracker - https://github.com/martin-sandren-conf/iamconfs/blob/main/Meetups_and_IdentiBeers_2025_spring

Conference Discounts!

Gartner IAM Summit - Code IDAC425 saves 425€: https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/emea/identity-access-management-uk

European Identity and Cloud Conference 2025 - Use code idac25mko for 25% off: https://www.kuppingercole.com/events/eic2025?ref=partneridac

Identiverse 2025 - Use code IDV25-IDAC25 for 25% off: https://identiverse.com/

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

Jim McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmcdonaldpmp/

Jeff Steadman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsteadman/

Visit the show on the web at http://idacpodcast.com