Identity at the Center

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

This episode is sponsored by Silverfort. Visit silverfort.com for more.

In this sponsored episode of the Identity at the Center Podcast, Jeff and Jim sit down with Hed Kovetz, CEO and Co-founder at Silverfort. They discuss the rapid evolution in the identity security space, Silverfort's groundbreaking innovations, and the critical role of AI and non-human identities. Learn how Silverfort's inline, real-time enforcement technology is tackling the complexities of identity management at scale. Hed also shares insights on the company's recent expansions and acquisitions, and the growing importance of AI agent security. Don't miss out on this deep dive into the future of identity security!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:14 Sponsor Spotlight and Industry Insights01:15 Silverfort's Recent Developments02:17 Identity Security Market Trends04:46 Challenges in Identity Governance07:14 Non-Human Identities and AI10:39 Silverfort's Unique Approach18:52 Service Account Security29:59 Reducing Risk with Virtual Fencing30:45 Addressing Human and Non-Human Identity Risks31:34 Overcoming the Fear of Breaking Systems32:35 Simulation Mode for Trust Building35:20 Challenges in Manual Identity Management36:12 AI Agent Security: The New Frontier42:10 The Importance of Inline Security55:50 The Ideal Identity Security Playbook01:00:38 Closing Remarks and Resources

Connect with Hed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hed-kovetz-910ba5b9/

Learn more about Silverfort: https://www.silverfort.com/

Insecurity in the shadows: New data on the hidden risks of non-human identities: https://resources.silverfort.com/insecurity-in-the-shadows/home

The Identity Security Playbook (eBook): https://www.silverfort.com/resources/the-identity-security-playbook/

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

Join Jim McDonald and Jeff Steadman on the Identity at the Center podcast as they welcome Lalit Choda, founder and CEO of the Non-Human Identity Management Group. Lalit, also known as "Mr. NHI," shares his journey from investment banking to becoming a leading expert in non-human identities. This episode delves into the critical and often overlooked world of NHI, exploring why it's such a hot topic now, the challenges practitioners face in managing these identities, and how to approach the problem from a risk-based perspective. Lalit discusses the limitations of traditional PAM and IGA tools for NHI, the importance of foundational controls, and the alarming implications of AI on non-human identity management. Plus, hear a fun segment about vinyl records and some surprising finds!

Chapter Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction to Lalit Choda and the NHI Community00:02:31 - Welcome to the Identity at the Center Podcast & IdentiVerse Discussion00:06:18 - Lalit Choda's Identity Origin Story: From Mr. SOX to Mr. NHI00:12:03 - Why Non-Human Identities Are a Big Deal Right Now00:15:37 - Defining NHI and the Practitioner's Framework00:19:13 - The Scale and Challenges of NHI Management00:23:01 - New Types of NHI and Tooling Limitations00:27:12 - The Lack of a Single Source of Truth for NHI00:33:57 - Prioritizing NHI Management and the Role of PAM00:38:58 - A Risk-Based Approach to NHI and Foundational Controls00:48:15 - What Scares Lalit Most About NHI (and AI)00:50:54 - Lalit's Impressive Vinyl Collection00:56:38 - Jim and Jeff's First, Best, and Favorite Albums01:01:15 - The Intersection of Music and Non-Human Identities01:02:00 - Wrapping Up & Where to Find More Information

Connect with Lalit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalit-choda-5b924120/

Non-Human Identity Management Group: https://www.nhimg.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:Lalit Choda, Non-Human Identity, NHI, Machine Identity, Workload Identity, Identity Management, Cybersecurity, PAM, IGA, Privilege Access Management, Identity Governance and Administration, Secrets Management, Cloud Security, AI, Artificial Intelligence, DevSecOps, Risk-Based Approach, Identity Security, Service Accounts, Identity at the Center, IDAC, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald, IdentiVerse, Vinyl Collection, Podcast, Mr. NHI

#idac #nonhumanidentity #machineidentity #cybersecurity #identityaccessmanagement #IAM #infosec #digitalidentity #workloadsecurity #devsecops #cloudsecurity #privilegedaccessmanagement #identitygovernance #zerotrust #nhi #mrnhi

This episode features various professionals discussing their experiences and journeys in the identity and access management (IAM) field during a meetup in Oslo, Norway, and Berlin, Germany. Participants include individuals from the Central Bank of Norway, Space Norway, and newcomers to the IAM space, among others. The event, promoted as 'IdentitBeer,' highlights networking, the evolution of IAM, challenges faced, and the importance of honest relationships in business development. Key topics include the history and growth of IdentiBeer, community impact, and personal anecdotes about working in IAM.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Identity at the Center00:18 Meet the Identity Experts01:49 Discovering the Faces Behind Identity02:07 Sarah's Journey into Identity06:47 Tips for Building Client Relationships13:13 Espen's Origin Story and IdentiBeer17:05 Expanding IdentiBeer Globally22:58 IdentiBeer Meetup in Asheville23:30 Organizing IdentiBeer Events24:34 IdentiBeer at Identiverse25:55 Reflections on Identity Community26:07 Identity Professionals' Introductions28:17 AI and Identity Management30:04 Identity Journeys and Experiences31:26 Challenges in Identity Management34:08 Identity in Cybersecurity45:37 Closing Remarks and Cheers

Find your next IdentiBeer event: https://identi.beer/

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

#idac #IdentityAtTheCenter #IdentiBeer #IAM #IdentityandAccessManagement #Oslo #Berlin #Norway #Germany #Cybersecurity #InfoSec #TechCommunity #Networking #IdentityManagement #DigitalIdentity #TechPodcast #ITSecurity #AccessManagement #IdentiBeerOslo #IdentiBeerBerlin #JimMcDonald #JeffSteadman

Join Jim McDonald and Jeff Steadman on Identity at the Center as they sit down with Kristina Yasuda, Product Owner, and Dr. Torsten Lodderstedt, Project Lead for the German EUDI Wallet project. Recorded at EIC 2025, this episode delves into the ambitious European Union initiative to create a digital identity wallet for all its citizens.

Kristina and Torsten discuss the vision behind the EUDI Wallet, the political will driving it, and the funding making it a reality. They explore the challenges and complexities of aligning multiple parties, standardizing technical specifications, and the goal of digitizing everything from government-issued IDs to driving licenses and ePrescriptions.

Learn about the Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation (SPRIN-D), the importance of a transparent and collaborative development process, and how Germany aims to provide a secure, privacy-preserving, and interoperable digital wallet ecosystem. The discussion also touches on digital sovereignty, the role of platform providers like Google and Apple, the aggressive timelines, and the potential global impact of this initiative.

Find out how the EUDI Wallet aims to put users in the driver's seat, ensure non-discriminatory access, and foster a flourishing digital economy in Europe.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Vision, Political Will, and Funding00:50 Blockchain vs Federated Identity: Bridging the Gap01:47 Welcome to the Identity of the Center Podcast03:18 Meet the Guests: German EUDI Wallet Project03:42 Christina's Journey into Identity06:05 Torsten's Background in Identity08:31 The EUDI Wallet Project: Scope and Goals12:19 Challenges and Opportunities in Digital Identity15:38 Production and Adoption of Digital Wallets20:53 Digital Sovereignty and Interoperability26:16 Government's Role in Digital Identity26:54 Certification and Recognition of Wallet Providers27:21 Cultural Differences in Government-Provided IDs27:53 Challenges and Timelines for Digital Wallet Implementation28:25 Legal Obligations and Compliance29:10 Public vs. Private Sector in Digital Identity30:13 Barriers to Widespread Adoption31:26 Complexities of Wallet-Based Systems33:23 Global Interoperability and Standards33:59 Technical Specifications and Convergence36:05 Multi-Step Process for Implementation38:26 Transition Period and Global Considerations42:49 Digital Driver's License and Real-World Applications46:17 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook46:23 Fun and Lighthearted Ending

Connect with Kristina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinayasuda

Connect with Dr. Torsten: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-torsten-lodderstedt/

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:

EUDI Wallet, Digital Identity, European Union, Germany, Kristina Yasuda, Torsten Lodderstedt, Identity Management, Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI), Digital Sovereignty, Interoperability, Technical Standards, OpenID, Verified Credentials, Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation, Sprint, EIC 2025, Government Issued ID, Digital Transformation, Privacy, Security, User Control, Mobile Driver's License, IDAC, Identity at the Center, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald

#EUDIWallet #DigitalIdentity #EuropeanUnion #Germany #KristinaYasuda #TorstenLodderstedt #IdentityManagement #SelfSovereignIdentity #SSI #DigitalSovereignty #Interoperability #OpenID #VerifiedCredentials #EIC2025 #GovernmentID #DigitalTransformation #Privacy #Security #UserControl #MobileDriverLicense #IDAC #IdentityAtTheCenter #JeffSteadman #JimMcDonald #DigitalWallet #EU

This episode is sponsored by Duo. Visit duo.com to learn more.

Join Jim McDonald and Jeff Steadman on this sponsored episode of the Identity at the Center Podcast, brought to you by Duo! We welcome back Matt Caulfield, VP of Duo and Identity at Cisco, to discuss the ongoing "identity crisis" in security, where 60% of attacks have identity as a key component. Matt introduces Duo's new Security-First IAM, a revolutionary approach that prioritizes security by making it the default, enabling easy passwordless adoption, and building in phishing resistance from day zero.

Discover how Duo is differentiating itself in a crowded market by focusing on end-to-end phishing resistance capabilities and user-centric security. Matt shares insights into Cisco's innovation culture, drawing from his experience as a founder and the integration of acquired technologies like ORT into Duo's identity intelligence, including a new trust scoring mechanism to identify compromised accounts.

We also delve into the powerful insights from Cisco Talos, whose research on identity-based attacks directly influences Duo's product development, and how customer feedback is shaping the future of identity security. Explore the exciting innovations in authentication, including Duo's proximity verification for phishing-resistant, passwordless access, and the continuous authentication capabilities powered by Duo Desktop and Identity Intelligence.

Finally, Matt discusses the impact of AI on identity security, both in enabling attackers and enhancing defense mechanisms like the new Duo AI assistant for administrators. The conversation concludes with a look into the future of identity, including the challenges and opportunities presented by machine and agentic AI identities, and the critical need for advanced authorization solutions.

Don't forget to visit duo.com for more information!

Chapter Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Identity Crisis and Security First IAM
• 00:02:22 - Welcome to the Identity at the Center Podcast & Sponsored Episode Introduction
• 00:03:00 - Introducing Matt Caulfield and His Journey at Duo/Cisco
• 00:04:35 - Defining the Digital Identity Crisis
• 00:06:04 - Understanding Security-First IAM
• 00:07:17 - Differentiating Duo's Identity Solution
• 00:08:36 - Cisco's Acquisition Strategy and Continued Innovation
• 00:10:55 - The Impact of Cisco Talos Intelligence
• 00:14:39 - Customer Insights and Challenges in Identity
• 00:16:50 - Is Authentication Solved? Innovation in Phishing Resistance
• 00:19:32 - AI's Impact on Identity Security and Future Threats
• 00:21:55 - How Duo is Leveraging AI Internally and for Customers
• 00:24:00 - Duo's Repositioning: From MFA to Identity and Access Management
• 00:25:27 - Shifting Metrics of Success for Duo Customers
• 00:27:44 - Workforce, Extended Workforce, and B2B Use Cases for Duo IAM
• 00:29:48 - Deep Dive into Proximity-Based Authentication
• 00:32:31 - The Importance of Phishing Resistance in Duo's Strategy
• 00:35:57 - Continuous Authentication and Shared Signals Framework
• 00:39:07 - Identity as a Core Pillar of SASE
• 00:40:32 - Why Shared Signals Framework is a Key Investment for Duo
• 00:43:25 - Future Outlook for Identity Practitioners: Passwordless and AI
• 00:46:27 - Agentic AI and the Future of Authorization
• 00:48:53 - Jim's Swag Tips for Identiverse
• 00:51:57 - Final Thoughts from Matt Caulfield

Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcaulfie/

Learn more about Duo: https://duo.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 idacpodcast.com

#idac #IdentitySecurity #Cybersecurity #DuoSecurity

In this episode of Identity at the Center, Jeff Steadman and Jim McDonald are joined by Alejandro Leal, Senior Analyst at KuppingerCole, live from the EIC 2025 stage in Berlin, Germany.

Alejandro delves into the critical distinctions between misinformation and disinformation, exploring their historical context and how they manifest in today's technological landscape, particularly within social media and legacy media. He discusses the intent behind disinformation, often aimed at creating chaos or confusion, versus misinformation, which can be an unintentional spread of false or inaccurate information.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Defining Misinformation vs. Disinformation & Historical Context00:02:00 Introduction at EIC 2025 & Guest Welcome00:06:14 The Role of Intent, Generative AI, and Countermeasures00:12:15 Impact of Mis/Disinformation on Business, Politics, and Philosophy00:16:02 How Mis/Disinformation Intersects with Identity Management00:18:07 Balancing Anonymity, Privacy, and Truthful Content Online00:23:09 Connecting to Digital Identity, Verification, and Potential Solutions (AI Labeling, VCs)00:26:45 AI Guardrails, Free Speech vs. Hate Speech, and Authenticity00:29:24 Worst-Case Scenarios and the Global Impact of Mis/Disinformation00:31:24 Actionable Advice: Responsibility and Critical Thinking00:35:38 Book Recommendation: "The Question Concerning Technology"00:39:31 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Connect with Alejandro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandro-leal-a127bb153/

The Question Concerning Technology (essay): https://bpb-us-e2.wpmucdn.com/sites.uci.edu/dist/a/3282/files/2018/01/Heidegger_TheQuestionConcerningTechnology.pdf

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, Alejandro Leal, KuppingerCole, EIC 2025, Misinformation, Disinformation, Identity and Access Management, IAM, Digital Identity, Cybersecurity, Tech Podcast, Technology Ethics, Generative AI, AI Ethics, Truth in Media, Social Media Responsibility, Privacy Rights, Verifiable Credentials, Critical Thinking Skills, Fake News, Online Safety, Political Disinformation, Business Reputation, Philosophical Tech Discussions, Martin Heidegger, The Question Concerning Technology.

In this episode of Identity at the Center, hosts Jeff Steadman and Jim McDonald are joined by Jerome Thorstenson, IAM Architect with Salling Group, live from EIC 2025 in Berlin! Jerome shares his insights on B2B identity, the challenges of managing access for a complex supply chain, and the importance of an identity-first approach.

Discover how Salling Group, operating major labels like Target and Starbucks, handles identity for thousands of employees and external partners. Jerome dives into the complexities of balancing security, user experience, and the practicalities of implementing IGA and ABAC.

From navigating the challenges of data quality and high employee turnover to the nuances of transitioning between IGA systems, this episode offers valuable insights for identity practitioners.

Chapter Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 - B2B Identity Challenges
• 00:02:14 - Welcome to Identity at the Center from EIC 2025
• 00:04:14 - Jerome's Journey into Identity
• 00:05:19 - Salling Group Overview
• 00:06:57 - Securing B2B - Jerome's Presentation
• 00:10:54 - Controlling Access in B2B
• 00:11:41 - Identity as a Product
• 00:14:51 - The Role of the IAM Practitioner
• 00:16:31 - ABAC as a Game Changer
• 00:21:00 - Language Considerations in a European Context
• 00:22:33 - Employee Turnover Challenges
• 00:25:07 - IGA Implementation Insights
• 00:29:28 - Identity Fabric Discussion
• 00:31:21 - Jerome's Caribbean Background
• 00:34:06 - Wrap-up and Contact Information

Connect with Jerome: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jetdk/

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, EIC 2025, B2B Identity, Identity First Security, IAM, Identity and Access Management, Supply Chain Security, IGA, ABAC, Attribute-Based Access Control, Role-Based Access Control, Identity Fabric, Digital Identity, Cybersecurity, Data Quality, Employee Turnover, Caribbean

This episode is sponsored by SlashID. Visit https://www.slashid.com/idac to learn more.

In this sponsored episode of the Identity at the Center Podcast, hosts Jeff and Jim interview Vincenzo Iozzo, CEO of SlashID, to discuss the current landscape and innovations they are making in Identity and Access Management (IAM). Vincenzo, who has a background in offensive security and experience at CrowdStrike, explains how SlashID uses Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance visibility and posture beyond traditional Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) and Privileged Access Management (PAM) tools. Slash ID focuses on real-time detection and response to identity-based threats, addressing gaps that compliance-driven IGA systems miss. The episode also covers the advantages of SlashID’s platform, including monitoring privileged identities, automating policy generation for least privilege, and integrating with existing security infrastructure. The conversation delves into the challenges of identity-related breaches and the importance of balancing compliance with robust security measures. Vincenzo also shares his experiences from the offensive security world, including hacking competitions and the evolving threat landscape.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Real-Time Identity Security01:20 Welcome to the Identity at the Center Podcast02:18 Meet Vincenzo Iozzo, CEO of SlashID02:37 Vincenzo's Journey into Digital Identity04:26 The Genesis of SlashID08:16 Challenges in Identity Governance and Administration (IGA)14:41 The Prevalence of Identity-Related Breaches19:06 Detection and Response Strategies24:30 Lifecycle Issues Detection26:11 Remediation Strategies28:57 Integration with Existing Tools30:27 Customer Success Metrics34:10 Setting Up and Deploying SlashID35:48 Live Demo Walkthrough41:48 Challenges in Cybersecurity45:16 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with Vincenzo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincenzoiozzo/

Learn more about SlashID: https://www.slashid.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 and watch at https://www.youtube.com/@idacpodcast

In this episode of Identity at the Center, hosts Jeff Steadman and Jim McDonald welcome back Henrique Teixeira, SVP of Strategy at Saviynt, for his third appearance on the show. Henrique dives deep into his transition from Gartner analyst to IAM vendor executive, sharing candid insights on career changes, identity security trends, and what it's like to travel the world advocating for better identity practices.

The conversation ranges from AI's evolving role in IAM to the nuances of building a strong network and social media presence. Henrique also previews his upcoming podcast and makes compelling analogies between IAM and Formula One, stand-up comedy, and even Rob Zombie lyrics.

Whether you're a seasoned identity professional or new to the space, this episode offers valuable takeaways on navigating the IAM landscape, tackling app onboarding, and preparing for the rise of AI agents.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Henrique on trends and AI as stand-up comedy

02:08 - Jim & Jeff intro, shoutout to sponsors

04:59 - Henrique joins and talks about conferences

07:31 - Henrique’s Gartner to Saviynt transition

10:00 - Leadership, strategy, and parallels with Formula One

16:07 - Building a network and making career shifts

21:09 - Travel life and routines for road warriors

26:00 - LinkedIn influence and organic community growth

30:31 - IAM set pieces: From Rob Zombie to AI

34:00 - Predictions and trends for 2026

39:00 - AI agents and the new identity security frontier

45:18 - Revisiting IAM basics before jumping ahead

50:15 - Identity security vs. traditional IAM definitions

55:23 - Henrique teases upcoming Saviynt podcast

58:45 - AI in music and creative tools for musicians

Connect with Henrique: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardes/

Learn more about Saviynt: https://saviynt.com/

Conference Discounts!

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

Keywords:Henrique Teixeira, Saviynt, Identity at the Center, IAM podcast, identity security, digital identity, cybersecurity trends, AI in IAM, agentic AI, post-cloud identity, LinkedIn IAM influencers, IAM career advice, Gartner alumni, IAM conferences, EIC 2025, Identitiverse, Rob Zombie IAM, application onboarding IAM, IGA strategy, identity trends 2026, IAM predictions