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
This episode is sponsored by Hush Security. Visit hush.security/idac to learn more.
In this sponsored episode of Identity at the Center, hosts Jeff Steadman and Jim McDonald spotlight Hush Security, a company emerging from stealth with an innovative approach to machine identity and access management. CEO and co-founder Micha Rave explains why traditional secrets vaults can’t keep up with today’s scale, what it means to truly go “secrets-free,” and how Hush enables visibility, governance, and operability for modern and legacy environments alike.
Discover:
Learn more about Hush Security and get a free environment assessment: hush.security/idac
Connect with Micha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micharave/
Connect with IDAC 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
#idac #identitymanagement #machineidentity #secretsmanagement #podcast #cybersecurity #JimMcDonald #JeffSteadman #HushSecurity #IdentityattheCenter
Chapters / Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome and Introduction (Hosts: Jeff and Jim)
01:00 - Introducing Micha Rave and Hush Security
03:00 - Micha’s Background and the Hush Team’s Journey
06:00 - What Is Hush Security and Why Now?
09:00 - Leaving Stealth Mode: Patents and Novel Approaches
12:00 - What Makes Hush Special? Remediation vs. Visibility
15:00 - Vaults vs. Secrets-Free Approach & Industry Gaps
18:00 - Non-Human Identities: Static Keys, Secrets, and Access
22:00 - Solving Problems Beyond Cloud: Custom vs. Packaged Software
26:00 - The Scale of Machine Identity in the Cloud and Automation Age
29:00 - Why Secrets Management Is Breaking and the Case for Policy-Based Access
34:00 - From Scanning to Policy Enforcement: How Hush Works
39:00 - Metrics, Success, and Executive Buy-in for Modern IAM
43:00 - How to Get Started with Hush Security (Free Assessments)
46:00 - Micha’s Conference Plans and Final Thoughts
49:00 - Pancakes or Waffles?
Keywords:
IDAC, Identity at the Center, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald, Hush Security, machine identity, secrets management, secrets vault, IAM, cybersecurity, sponsored episode, non-human identities, policy-based access, vault elimination, cloud security, automation, zero trust, Micha Rave, podcast, identity management
In this episode of the Identity at the Center podcast, hosts Jeff and Jim dive into the concept of device identity within a Zero Trust framework. They are joined by Shea McGrew, CTO of Maricopa County Arizona, who provides insights into the importance of managing not just human but also device identities. The discussion explores the philosophical debate on whether machines can have identities, Zero Trust principles, and their application in a diverse and semi-autonomous organizational structure like that of the county government. Shea also shares her career journey, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, customer service, and continuous learning in IT. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted conversation on the never-ending pursuit of knowledge.
Connect with Shea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shea-m-6b82a36/
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Theme
00:17 Defining Identity in Cybersecurity
01:34 Debate: Can Non-Humans Have Identities?
01:57 Guest Introduction: Shea McGrew
04:15 Shea's Career Journey and Role as CTO
09:28 Challenges and Rewards of Being a CTO
11:41 Identity Strategy at Maricopa County
14:48 Device Identity and Zero Trust Architecture
29:56 Managed vs. Unmanaged Devices
40:15 Understanding the NIST Framework
42:52 Balancing Technology and People
43:58 Training and Partner Collaboration
48:03 Organizational Change Management
50:40 Future of Device Identity
54:40 Debating Machine Identity
01:06:36 Curiosity as an Olympic Sport
01:13:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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
Join Jeff Steadman and Jim McDonald for the September 2025 mailbag episode of Identity at the Center! This episode features listener questions from around the world about digital identity, trust, technology challenges, inclusion, biometrics, and even a candid discussion on air travel etiquette. Whether you're new to IAM or a veteran, you'll find practical advice and real stories. Plus, hear shout-outs to our global community and learn what’s coming up for the podcast team, including conferences and game shows. Don’t forget to leave your thoughts or questions in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!
Chapter Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro & Community Shout-Outs
04:00 - Upcoming Conferences & Discount Codes
07:00 - What the Podcast Is All About
08:40 - Mailbag Intro: Listener Questions From Around the World
09:20 - Engaging IT with IAM Concepts (Matt in Maine)
13:20 - Building Trust in Digital Identity (Amara in India)
18:30 - Practical Challenges for Large Programs (Sophie in France)
25:45 - Digital Identity and the Unconnected (Jonas in Germany)
33:15 - Biometric Data & Security Pros/Cons (Rachel in Canada)
39:45 - Air Travel Etiquette: From Shoes Off to Elbow Room
48:10 - Outro & Thanks
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, mailbag, listener questions, digital identity, IAM, identity and access management, trust, technology inclusion, biometrics, air travel etiquette, conferences, community, YouTube, podcast, global audience, #idac
This episode is sponsored by SGNL. Visit sgnl.ai/idac to learn more.
In this sponsored episode of Identity at the Center podcast, hosts Jeff and Jim discuss hot trends in the identity space, focusing on continuous identity with their guest Erik Gustavson, co-founder and CPO at SGNL. Erik shares his journey into the IAM space, exploratory projects, the thought processes behind SGNL’s continuous identity solutions, and provides insights on how SGNL’s approach integrates with existing identity and security tools. He delves into trends such as the convergence of identity and security, the generational change in identity tech, and the practical use cases SGNL addresses. The episode concludes with a light-hearted conversation about the perfect meal for Jeff, reflecting Eric's passion for cooking.
Connect with Erik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikgustavson/
Learn more about SGNL: https://sgnl.ai/idac
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:36 Sponsor Spotlight: SGNL
01:10 Guest Introduction: Erik Gustavson
01:41 Eric's Journey into the IAM Space
05:47 Role of a Chief Product Officer
07:54 The Concept of Continuous Identity
20:26 Data Integration and Policy Enforcement
26:40 Target Audience for SGNL
29:42 Introduction to SGNL’s Ecosystem
30:13 Complementing Existing Systems
30:44 Challenges with Current Identity Solutions
33:27 New Trends in Authorization Management
34:09 Aligning with AMP and PBA
37:58 Use Cases and Real-World Applications
46:31 What Sets SGNL Apart
48:37 Future Trends in Identity and Security
52:35 A Lighter Note: Cooking and Personal Interests
58:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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
In this episode of the Identity at the Center podcast, Jeff and Jim discuss various aspects of identity access management (IAM) policies and the importance of having a solid foundation. They emphasize the need for automation, controls, and how IAM policies should be created without technology limitations in mind. The discussion also covers the implementation challenges and the evolving concept of identity verification. Jeff, Jim, and their guest, Nishant Kaushik, the new CTO at the FIDO Alliance, also delve into the issues surrounding the adoption of passkeys, highlighted by Rusty Deaton’s IDPro article, and address some common concerns about their security. Nishant offers insights into ongoing work at FIDO Alliance, the potential of digital identity, and the importance of community in the identity sector. The episode concludes with mentions of upcoming conferences and an homage to the late identity expert, Andrew Nash.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:18 Importance of IAM Policies
01:36 Challenges in Policy Implementation
05:09 Conferences and Discount Codes
07:59 Introducing the Guest: Nishant Kaushik
08:42 The Role of the FIDO Alliance and Digital Identity
10:35 Concerns and Solutions for Passkeys
22:21 Final Thoughts on Passkeys and Authentication
29:48 Credential Security Concerns
30:03 FIDO Members and Their Contributions
30:38 Getting Involved in Working Groups
31:58 Conversations at Authenticate Conference
32:29 Evolution of the Authenticate Conference
34:32 Automotive Authentication Challenges
36:04 Community and Collaboration
38:33 Remembering Andrew Nash
41:41 Lightning Round: Current State of AI and Identity
44:21 Decentralized Identity: Current Trends
49:47 Non-Human Identity: Future Perspectives
52:19 New York Sports Fandom
54:33 Conclusion and Upcoming Events
Connect with Nishant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishantkaushik/
Learn more about the FIDO Alliance: https://fidoalliance.org/
IDPro Article by Rusty Deaton: https://idpro.org/blackhat-and-def-con-2025-thoughts/
Kill the Wallet? Rethinking the Metaphors Behind Digital Identity by Heather Flanagan: https://sphericalcowconsulting.com/2025/07/22/digital-wallet-metaphor/
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 engage in an insightful conversation with Darren Rolls, a veteran in the Identity and Access Management (IAM) field. They discuss the complexities of identity fabrics, the evolving landscape of IAM, the impact of AI, and the challenges of integrating new technologies with legacy systems. Darren shares his thoughts on upcoming trends, practical advice for IAM practitioners, and even his personal experience with kite surfing. Tune in to gain expert perspectives on the future of IAM and the significance of continuous learning and adaptation in this dynamic field.
Connect with Darran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darran-rolls/
Identity Innovations Blog: https://identityinnovationlabs.com/identity-insights/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
00:17 Discussing Identity Fabrics and Leadership Compass
03:19 Upcoming Conferences and Events
05:32 Interview with Darren Rolls: Identity Management Journey
09:09 Evolution and Challenges in Identity Management
24:41 Future of Identity Management and AI
32:05 The Future of IAM in the Age of AI
33:12 The Rise of Agent-Based Applications
34:12 Challenges in Identity and Access Management
35:31 Exploring Vibe Coding and AI Utilities
38:09 Monitoring and Telemetry in IAM
40:17 The Evolution of Identity Management
42:05 The Role of Laws in IAM Architecture
46:16 Balancing Legacy Systems with Future Innovations
51:39 Kite Surfing Adventures and Reflections
59:01 Closing Thoughts and Future Engagements
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
Sponsored by Axonius. Visit https://www.axonius.com/idac to learn more.
In this sponsored episode of the Identity at the Center Podcast, hosts Jeff and Jim talk with Amir Ofek, the CEO of AxoniusX, about the company's innovative solutions in identity and access management (IAM). The discussion covers Amir's journey into IAM, the unique challenges of managing identities, and how AxoniusX's data-driven approach provides comprehensive visibility and intelligence. The episode breaks down various use cases, the importance of identity hygiene, automation of identity processes, and the newly recognized identity visibility and intelligence platform (IVIP) by Gartner.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:57 Guest Introduction: Amir, CEO of AxoniusX
01:12 Amir's Journey into Identity Access Management
02:40 Understanding Axonius and AxoniusX
08:03 The Importance of Identity Visibility and Intelligence
11:48 Challenges in Identity Management
22:10 Axonius's Approach to Identity Visibility
26:35 Leveraging AI and Machine Learning in Identity Management
31:18 Understanding Permission Changes and Their Importance
32:10 The Role of Observability in Axonius
32:37 Driving Actions with Axonius
33:30 Common Use Cases and Workflows
35:19 Axonius as a Swiss Army Knife
36:16 Ease of Use and AI Integration
38:49 Starting with Axonius and Measuring Value
43:42 Future Directions for Axonius
49:49 The Identity Community and Upcoming Events
51:23 Skiing Adventures and Tips
57:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Connect with Amir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirofek/
Learn more about Axonius: https://www.axonius.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
In this episode of the Identity at the Center Podcast, hosts Jeff and Jim dive into the critical intersection of cloud security and identity and access management (IAM). They are joined by experts from RSM Justin Devine, Cloud Transformation Director, and Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan, Digital Identity Director, to discuss the challenges and strategies involved in explaining complex identity topics in business terms to executives. The conversation covers the integration of IAM with cloud initiatives, the importance of automation and governance, and actionable steps for improving cloud security and identity management. The episode also touches on the evolving role of identity in cybersecurity and offers practical advice for organizations undergoing cloud migrations.
Connect with Justin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justindevine/
Connect with Vaishnavi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaishnavi-vaidyanathan-6913072b/
Learn more about RSM:
Digital Identity consulting: https://rsmus.com/services/risk-fraud-cybersecurity/cybersecurity-business-vulnerability/identity-and-access.html
Secure Cloud: https://rsmus.com/services/risk-fraud-cybersecurity/cybersecurity-business-vulnerability/secure-cloud.html
Check out more RSM & IDAC episodes: https://rsmus.com/insights/services/risk-fraud-cybersecurity/IDAC-podcast-featuring-RSMs-digital-identity-team.html
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Banter
00:37 Explaining Identity in Business Speak
04:03 Conference Season and Upcoming Events
06:19 Intersection of Cloud Security and IAM
07:05 Guest Introductions: Justin and Vaishnavi
07:37 Vaishnav's Journey in Identity
12:20 Justin's Background and Cloud Security
14:32 Cloud and IAM Strategies
29:28 Challenges in Identity Management
30:09 Identity Orchestration and Cloud Transformation
31:07 Modernizing Identity for Cloud Adoption
33:03 Importance of Identity in Advanced Cloud Implementations
37:28 Identity Security and Monitoring in the Cloud
41:34 Practical Advice for Cloud and Identity Management
53:23 Music Preferences and Final Thoughts
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
Join Jeff and Jim in this special episode of the Identity at the Center podcast as they celebrate crossing 1 million downloads. The hosts share a major announcement, thank their supporters, and discuss the journey and future of the podcast. They also delve into the world of Identity and Access Management (IAM) with guest Anthony Viggiano, covering key topics such as access reviews, roles, data integration, and non-human identities. Anthony shares his insights on making access reviews effective, future-proofing IAM programs, and the pragmatic approaches to identity governance. Plus, learn about Anthony's passion for mountain biking and some tips for beginners. Don't miss this episode packed with valuable IAM insights and a momentous celebration!
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Banter
00:33 Major Milestone Announcement
02:58 Upcoming Events and Conferences
06:54 Guest Introduction: Anthony Viggiano
09:48 Anthony's Journey into Identity
11:08 Challenges in Identity Management
12:24 Non-Human Identities and AI
16:34 Access Reviews: Security Theater?
24:08 Making Access Reviews Effective
26:29 Effective Access Reviews: Overcoming Challenges
29:29 Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) Insights
32:29 Exploring Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
37:56 Centralizing Identity Governance
45:47 Future-Proofing Identity Programs
47:35 Mountain Biking: A Metaphor for Life
54:54 Closing Thoughts and Community Support
Connect with Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyviggiano/
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 P0 Security. Visit p0.dev/idac to learn why P0 is the easiest and fastest way to implement just-in-time, short-lived, and auditable access to your entire infrastructure stack, like servers, databases, Kubernetes clusters, cloud consoles, and cloud services, for users as well as non-human identities.
In this sponsor spotlight episode, Jim and Jeff are joined by Shashwat Sehgal, CEO and founder of P0 Security, to discuss the evolving challenges of privileged access management in modern, cloud-native environments. Shashwat explains how traditional PAM solutions often create friction for developers, leading to over-provisioning and security risks, and how P0 is tackling this problem with a developer-first, just in time (JIT) access model. The conversation covers the core problems with developer productivity, how P0's use of technologies like eBPF provides deep visibility and control without agents, the "Priority Zero" philosophy, and how a JIT approach simplifies audits and compliance. They also discuss the competitive landscape and what sets P0 Security apart from traditional and open-source solutions.
Learn more about P0: https://www.p0.dev/idac
Connect with Shashwat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shashwatsehgal/
Chapter Timestamps:
00:00 - Podcast Intro
00:29 - Sponsor Introduction: P0 Security
01:38 - What is the problem P0 Security is trying to solve?
03:52 - Defining "Just-in-Time" (JIT) Access
06:21 - The challenge with traditional PAM for developers
08:23 - How P0 provides access without agents using eBPF
12:15 - What does the user experience look like?
15:58 - Supporting various infrastructure and access protocols
19:15 - How does P0 handle session recording and auditing?
22:20 - Is this a replacement for Privileged Access Management (PAM)?
26:40 - The story behind the name P0 Security
29:20 - Who is the ideal customer for P0?
33:15 - Handling break-glass scenarios
36:04 - Discussing the competitive landscape
42:30 - How is P0 deployed? (Cloud vs. On-prem)
46:50 - The future of P0 and the "Priority Zero" philosophy
50:32 - Final thoughts: "Access is our priority zero."
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:
P0 Security, Shashwat Sagal, Privileged Access Management, PAM, Just-in-Time Access, JIT, Developer Security, Cloud-Native Security, Hybrid Cloud, eBPF, Kubernetes, IAM, Identity and Access Management, Cybersecurity, Zero Trust, Ephemeral Access, Developer Experience, IDAC, Identity at the Center, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald
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