Stay ConnectedIdentity 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?
Visit us on the web at idacpodcast.com
Copyright: © 771327
Join hosts Jeff Steadman and Jim McDonald as they explore the critical intersection of attack surface management (ASM) and digital identity with Dan Lauritzen, Director with RSM Defense - RSM’s Managed Security Team. This episode dives deep into how identity has become a key component of your organization's attack surface and why breaking down silos between identity teams and Security Operations Centers is more crucial than ever.
Dan brings a unique perspective from his military background as a human intelligence collector to his current role in detection and response. Learn about the cyber kill chain, understand when you might have too much data, and discover practical strategies for treating identities as assets that need continuous protection.
Whether you're an identity practitioner looking to expand your security knowledge or a cybersecurity professional wanting to better understand identity's role in attack surface management, this conversation offers valuable insights and actionable takeaways.
Key topics include XDR platforms, ITDR tools, the evolution from legacy SIEM to modern detection systems, and why the future of security requires collaboration between traditionally separate teams.
Chapter Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and Industry Trends
01:00 - AI and Technology Disruption Discussion
02:00 - Upcoming Conference Schedule and Discount Codes
04:00 - Podcast Milestone - Approaching One Million Downloads
06:30 - Introducing Dan Lauritzen and RSM Defense Team
09:00 - Dan's Background - From Military to Cybersecurity
12:00 - What is Attack Surface Management?
14:00 - Treating Identities as Assets
16:00 - The Cyber Kill Chain Explained
18:00 - Why Identity and SOC Teams Operate in Silos
21:00 - The Role of Data in Modern Security Operations
23:00 - Continuous Identity Management and Shared Signals Framework
26:00 - Can You Have Too Much Data?
29:00 - Breaking Down Silos Between Identity and SOC Teams
32:00 - Practical Collaboration Strategies
34:00 - SIEM vs XDR vs ITDR - Understanding the Tool Landscape
41:00 - Pragmatic Security Strategies and Metrics
44:00 - Biggest Misconceptions About Attack Surface Management
45:00 - Military Background - Human Intelligence Collection
48:00 - Communication Tips for Better Information Gathering
51:00 - Closing and Contact Information
Connect with Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-lauritzen-67545045/
Cyber Kill Chain: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyber_kill_chain
Learn more about RSM:
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
Keywords
IDAC, Identity at the Center, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald, Dan Lauritzen, RSM, attack surface management, cybersecurity, digital identity, SOC, Security Operations Center, XDR, ITDR, SIEM, cyber kill chain, detection and response, identity security, human intelligence, military cybersecurity, continuous identity management, shared signals framework, UEBA, threat detection, zero trust, privileged access management, identity governance, security metrics, vendor management, cloud security, endpoint security, data correlation, security silos, collaboration strategies, identity assets, orphaned accounts, entitlement creep, attack surface reduction, security automation, AI in security, machine learning security, identity sprawl, security tools, cybersecurity consulting, managed security services, security monitoring, incident response, threat hunting, vulnerability management, risk assessment, compliance, security architecture, defense strategy
In this episode of the Identity at the Center podcast, hosts Jeff and Jim dive into an enriching discussion with Shawna Hofer, Chief Information Security Officer at St. Luke's Health System in Idaho. Discover the vital link between cybersecurity and patient safety, the evolving role of AI in healthcare, and the challenges of integrating new technologies securely. Shawna shares her unique journey from an identity and access management manager to a CISO, offering valuable insights on risk management, data privacy, machine identities, and resilient security infrastructure. This is a must-watch episode for anyone interested in the intersection of healthcare and cybersecurity!
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:37 ID Pro Membership Benefits
03:35 Conferences and Events
06:03 Introducing Shawna Hofer
07:00 Shawna’s Journey to CISO10:55 Identity Security in Healthcare
13:49 Balancing Security and User Experience
19:08 Challenges with IoT in Healthcare
24:27 AI in Healthcare Security
30:01 Upskilling for AI in Security
33:07 The Ever-Improving AI Landscape
33:21 Embracing the AI Mindset
33:58 Resiliency in Healthcare and AI
35:06 The Future of Jobs in an AI-Driven World
37:37 Trusting AI in Security Decisions
40:56 Learning the Language of Risk
43:44 Making the Business Case for Identity
45:50 Balancing Security Investments
51:48 The Future of Healthcare and AI
54:40 Fun and Food: The Potato Question
01:02:13 Closing Remarks and Farewell
Connect with Shawna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawna-hofer-7259b21a/
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
In this episode of the Identity at the Center Podcast, hosts Jeff and Jim are joined by Felix Gaehtgens, a former Gartner analyst, to discuss the evolving landscape of machine identity. Felix shares insights into the differences between human and machine identities, the challenges posed by legacy identity management practices, and the importance of moving towards modern, dynamic, and ephemeral identity solutions. The conversation covers key strategies for managing machine identities, the role of IAM teams, and the future of this critical area in cybersecurity. Tune in for an informative and engaging discussion that dives deep into the technical, strategic, and practical aspects of machine identity management.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
01:20 Special Guest Introduction: Felix Gaehtgens
03:42 Upcoming Conferences and Events
06:46 Deep Dive into Machine Identity
09:10 Challenges and Solutions in Machine Identity Management
18:03 Practical Advice for Practitioners
29:28 The Future of Identity Security
30:29 The IAM Team's Absence in Machine Identity
31:06 Challenges Faced by Developers and IAM Teams
31:42 Forming a Machine IAM Working Group
34:24 The Disconnect Between IAM Teams and Developers
37:16 Tactical Approaches for IAM Program Managers
39:21 Guidance and Automation in IAM
51:25 The Future of Machine Identity
54:47 Scuba Diving and IAM Analogies
01:00:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Connect with Felix - https://www.linkedin.com/in/felixgaehtgens/
Reading links:
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
Welcome back to Identity at the Center! Jeff flies solo this week as Jim handles a cross-country move, bringing you an insightful conversation with Joni Brennan, the new Chair of the IDPro Board of Directors.
In this episode, Joni shares her vision for IDPro's future, discussing what the organization does well and where improvements are needed. As both IDPro Chair and President of DIACC (Digital ID and Authentication Council of Canada), Joni brings unique insights into the business side of identity management, international perspectives on digital wallets, and the importance of building bridges across different identity ecosystems.
Joni also opens up about her work bridging local, national, and international identity initiatives in Canada, and why she believes identity professionals need to think beyond just technical specifications.
Plus, stick around for a special bonus segment where we meet Champ, Joni's adorable new German Shepherd-Rottweiler puppy!
#idac #identity #cybersecurity #digitalidentity #identitymanagement #iam #idpro #digitalwallets #canada #authentication
Connect with Joni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonibrennan
Learn more about IDPro: https://idpro.org/
Learn more about DIACC: https://diacc.ca/
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
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and Solo Host Setup00:40 - Welcome Joni Brennan, New IDPro Chair01:00 - Official IDPro Podcast Partnership Announcement02:00 - Life Updates: Still in the Trailer on Starlink03:00 - What IDPro Members Should Know05:00 - Open Invitation for Community Feedback07:00 - What IDPro Does Well vs Areas for Improvement10:00 - The Need for More Structure in IDPro12:00 - Defining Identity Professionals Beyond Technical Roles14:00 - The Value of IDPro Slack Community16:00 - Business of IAM: Beyond Technical Implementation18:00 - Case Studies and Success Stories for IDPro20:00 - Learning from Failures and Sharing Knowledge22:00 - Organizational Politics in Identity Management25:00 - Building Bridges Between Identity Ecosystems27:00 - Introduction to DIACC and Canadian Perspective30:00 - Local vs National vs International Identity Initiatives32:00 - Digital Wallets and the Trust Problem35:00 - Centralization vs Decentralization in Identity38:00 - Trust Anchors and Multiple Wallet Ecosystem40:00 - Making Identity Products People Want to Use42:00 - Privacy, Audit Trails, and Government Regulation44:00 - Citizen-Directed Government Data45:00 - International Perspectives on Identity Solutions47:00 - AI, Fraud, and Regulatory Responses in Canada49:00 - Serving Current Needs While Building Future Solutions50:00 - The Challenge of Being an Identity Expert51:00 - Wrapping Up IDPro Discussion52:00 - Bonus: Meet Champ the Puppy54:00 - Dog Stories and Puppy Training56:00 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information
Keywords
IDAC, Identity at the Center, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald, Joni Brennan, IDPro, identity management, digital identity, IAM, cybersecurity, authentication, digital wallets, trust frameworks, DIACC, Canada, identity professionals, business of identity, case studies, community feedback, Slack community, certification, CIDPRO, international identity, EU wallets, mobile driver's license, Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, trust anchors, interoperability, fraud prevention, AI in identity, government regulation, citizen directed data, open banking, privacy, audit trails, identity politics, organizational change, professional development, technical skills, non-technical professionals, policy advocacy, governance, standards, specifications, bridge building, ecosystem connectivity, puppy, German Shepherd, Rottweiler
This episode is sponsored by Natoma. Visit https://www.natoma.id/ to learn more.
Join Jeff from the IDAC Podcast as he dives into a deep conversation with Paresh Bhaya, the co-founder of Natoma. In this sponsored episode, Paresh shares his journey into the identity space, discusses how Natoma helps enterprises accelerate AI adoption without compromising security, and provides insights into the rising importance of MCP and A2A protocols. Learn about the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of AI and security, the importance of dynamic access controls, and the significance of ensuring proper authentication and authorization in the growing world of agentic AI. Paresh also delights us with his memorable hike up Mount Whitney. Don't miss out!
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Announcement00:34 Guest Introduction: Paresh Bhaya from Natoma01:14 Paresh’s Journey into Identity04:04 Natoma's Mission and AI Security06:25 The Story Behind Natoma's Name09:29 Natoma's Unique Approach to AI Security18:32 Understanding MCP and A2A Protocols25:20 Community Development and Adoption25:56 Agent Interactions and Security Challenges27:19 Navigating Product Development29:17 Ensuring Secure Connections36:10 Deploying and Managing MCP Servers42:40 Shadow AI and Governance44:17 Personal Anecdotes and Conclusion
Connect with Paresh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paresh-bhaya/
Learn more about Natoma: https://www.natoma.id/
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
Keywords:
IDAC, Identity at the Center, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald, Natoma, Paresh Bhaya, Artificial Intelligence, AI, AI Security, Identity and Access Management, IAM, Enterprise Security, AI Adoption, Technology, Innovation, Cybersecurity, Machine Learning, AI Risks, Secure AI, #idac
In this episode of Identity at the Center, recorded live from Identiverse 2025 in Las Vegas, Jim McDonald and Jeff Steadman are joined by special guests Diane Vicezar and Arynn Crow. Diane is a recent recipient of the Digital Identity Advancement Foundation's (DIAF) prestigious Kim Cameron Award, and Arynn is the Director of Governance and Transparency for DIAF.
Join us for a conversation about breaking into the identity and access management (IAM) industry. Diane shares her journey from a college intern at Microsoft to a full-time employee in the identity space, and what her experience has been like as a first-time attendee at Identiverse. Arynn provides valuable insights into the mission of DIAF, which aims to make professional development in identity more accessible through merit-based awards like the Kim Cameron Award for newcomers and the Victoria O'Connor Award for established professionals.
The group discusses the critical question of how the industry can attract new talent. Do people choose a career in identity, or does it choose them? They explore the importance of outreach to universities, the power of social media, and reframing the narrative around identity to focus on its mission-driven impact on society. From career ceilings and the role of AI to favorite conference sessions and hallway conversations, this episode is packed with insights for both seasoned professionals and those just starting their identity journey.
Chapter Timestamps
00:00:10 - Welcome to Identiverse 202500:02:21 - Introducing Diane Vicezar and Arynn Crow00:03:00 - What is the Digital Identity Advancement Foundation (DIAF)?00:05:33 - Diane's Experience as a Kim Cameron Award Winner00:07:26 - The Legacy of Kim Cameron and Vittorio Bertocci00:10:17 - How Did You Get Into Identity?00:12:08 - How to Attract New Talent to the Identity Industry00:16:51 - Reframing the Conversation Around Identity's Mission00:20:27 - Is There a Career Ceiling in Identity?00:22:34 - Advice for Those Starting Their Career in Identity00:27:10 - The Future of AI in the Identity Industry00:28:32 - Favorite Sessions at Identiverse 202500:34:15 - If You Were a Potato, How Would You Be Prepared?00:36:20 - Closing Remarks
Connect with Diana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianavicezar/
Connect with Arynn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arynn-crow-821761103/
Learn more about the Digital Identity Advancement Foundation: https://digitalidadvancement.org/
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
Keywords
IDAC, Identity at the Center, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald, Diane Vicezar, Arynn Crow, Digital Identity Advancement Foundation, DIAF, Kim Cameron Award, Identiverse 2025, Identity and Access Management, IAM, Career in Identity, Cybersecurity, Professional Development, Women in Identity, Identity Industry, Microsoft, AI in Identity, FIDO, Passkeys, Verifiable Credentials
Hashtags
#idac #Identiverse #DigitalIdentity #IAM #Cybersecurity #CareerDevelopment #WomenInTech #DIAF #KimCameronAward
In this episode of the Identity at the Center Podcast, hosts Jeff and Jim discuss highlights from Identiverse 2025, featuring special guest Sean O'Dell. They reflect on the importance of continuous identity management, event-driven architecture, and AI in identity and access management (IAM). The conversation covers a range of topics, including insights from the CAEP (continuous access evaluation profile) panel, adoption of the shared signals framework (SSF), and the evolution of identity verification. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of IAM and thoughtful reflections on key industry trends and practices.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:05 Acknowledgements and Thanks
00:23 Conference Highlights and Listener Feedback
01:36 Introducing the Guest Speaker: Sean O'Dell
01:48 Sean O'Dell's Role and Responsibilities
02:35 Panel Discussion Recap: Event-Driven Identity Management
03:29 Audience Engagement and Technical Questions
04:34 Continuous Identity and Security Paradigms
09:19 Federated Policies and Signal Integration
19:28 Privacy Sharing and Anonymity
20:25 Vendor Adoption and Keynotes
21:28 AI and Data Readiness
22:26 Non-Human Identities vs. Workload IAM
26:25 Continuous Authentication and Identity
28:12 Shared Signals Framework and Device Management
31:34 Vendor Solutions and Identity Verification
34:58 Panel Reflections and Moderation Insights
Connect with Sean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanodentity/
Learn more about CAEP: https://caep.dev/
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
This episode is sponsored by Trusona. Visit trusona.com/idac to learn more.
In this episode of the Identity of the Center podcast, Jeff and Jim discuss identity verification challenges with Ori Eisen, the founder and CEO of Trusona. The conversation explores the problems surrounding help desk authentication and how Trusona's new product, ATO Protect, aims to address these issues by confirming caller identities, even in scenarios involving social engineering and advanced AI threats. Ori explains the technology behind document scanning, data triangulation, and geolocation to validate identities. The episode also includes an intriguing hack challenge for listeners to test the robustness of Trusona's solutions. Check out the detailed demo on Trusona's website and join the challenge!
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Episode Excitement01:16 Introducing the Guest: Ori Eisen from Trusona02:11 The Problem with Passwordless Authentication03:53 The Rise of Gen AI and Its Impact on Security04:51 Understanding ATO Protect and Its Importance16:10 How ATO Protect Works: A Step-by-Step Guide27:51 The Puppeteering Scam Unveiled28:24 Fingerprinting the Fraudsters29:11 Real-Time Fraud Detection Demo29:42 Challenges in Penetration Testing30:08 Combating Man-in-the-Middle Attacks30:41 The Ultimate Security Challenge33:44 Verifying Caller Identity41:24 Future Threats in Cybersecurity42:10 AI: The Double-Edged Sword49:08 Issuing the Hack Challenge52:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Connect with Ori: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orieisen/
Learn more about Trusona: https://www.trusona.com/idac
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
Keywords:
IDAC, Identity at the Center, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald, Trusona, Ori Eisen, Identity Verification, Help Desk Security, Service Desk, Passwordless, Authentication, KBA, Knowledge-Based Authentication, Cybersecurity, Identity and Access Management, IAM, Multi-Factor Authentication, MFA, Zero Trust, Identity Proofing
#IDAC #Trusona #Passwordless #Cybersecurity #IdentityManagement #HelpDesk #ZeroTrust
In this episode of the Identity at the Center Podcast, Jeff and Jim broadcast live from Identiverse 2025. Special guest Andrew Shikiar from the FIDO Alliance joins to talk about efforts to push passkey adoption and reduce reliance on passwords. Topics covered include the technicalities of passkeys, their adoption by major banks like Wells Fargo, and initiatives for adding more signals for high assurance scenarios. The episode wraps up with exciting news about the upcoming Authenticate conference and plans for an Authenticate APAC edition in Singapore.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:16 Podcast Highlights and Recent Activities01:38 Guest Introduction: Andrew Shikiar from FIDO Alliance01:58 FIDO Alliance and Passkey Adoption07:13 Technical Insights on Passkeys14:52 Authenticate Conference and Community20:20 Global Adoption and Regional Differences25:13 Conclusion and Wrap-Up
Connect with LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewshikiar
Learn more about the FIDO Alliance: https://fidoalliance.org/
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
Welcome to a special game show edition of 'Identity at the Center,' hosted by Jeff Steadman! Recorded live at Identiverse 2025, this episode features two teams—Team IDPro (Heather Flanagan, Tina Srivastava, and Mike Kiser) and Team IDAC (Jim McDonald, David Mahdi, and Steven Rennick)—competing in a Family Feud-style trivia game focused on Identity and Access Management (IAM). Watch as they answer questions related to common IAM project failures, non-human identities, snacks at conferences, and popular conference swag with a little help from the audience. Stick around to the end for a special IAM-themed rap performance by Tina.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:18 Meet the Teams03:10 Explaining the Rules04:20 Round 1: Common Reasons for IAM Project Failure07:52 Round 2: Non-Human Identities in IAM11:33 Introduction and Initial Questions11:55 Fun with Vegas Snacks15:00 Final Round: Common Swag Items18:40 Conclusion and Farewell
Connect with the contestants:
Heather Flanagan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hlflanagan/
Tina Srivastava: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-s-8291438a/
Mike Kiser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-kiser/
David Mahdi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmahdi/
Steven Rennick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-rennick/
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
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