Sometimes it feels like every new technology we adopt comes with a new risk we didn't see coming. From AI and data breaches to phishing scams and ransomware, it's clear we live in a time when cybersecurity isn't just a tech issue, it's a human issue.

In this episode, I talk with Jeff Reich, Executive Director of the Identity Defined Security Alliance. Jeff has been in the cybersecurity world since the early days, with decades of experience helping organizations protect what matters most. His passion for identity security and risk management runs deep, and he brings a thoughtful perspective on how the industry has changed and what we need to do to keep up.

We explore why identity is the real perimeter in today's digital world, how businesses and individuals can be proactive rather than reactive, and what it really takes to build a security-first mindset. Jeff also shares why communication is just as important as tech when it comes to staying secure. Whether you're a cybersecurity professional or just someone trying to stay safe online, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about the role identity plays in your digital life.

Show Notes:

• [00:54] Jeff Reich is the Executive Director of the Identity-Defined Security Alliance, a nonprofit focused on raising the level of awareness of identity and identity security.
• [01:52] Jeff began studying physics and astrophysics in school. He even taught in a planetarium. He also went into law enforcement.
• [03:10] He went into security and was planning on working at EDS, but he ended up at ARCO. He then moved to Dell computers and a financial services company. He started the security program at Rackspace and was also a research director at the University of Texas, San Antonio.
• [03:49] He is now enjoying the nonprofit space.
• [04:43] Not becoming a victim of a scam comes down to situational awareness. If you're receiving something from someone you don't know, assume it's hostile.
• [06:33] Jeff tells the story about when he was working at a hosting company, and he noticed clusters of servers turning from green to red and then back to green.
• [07:42] It turned out scammers were taking over customers' websites. It ended up being ransomware.
• [16:03] Be very aware of fake invoices and spoofed emails and scam phone calls.
• [20:18] They recently had identity management day 2025. They had a lot of presentations on what existential identity might mean to a certain individual or corporation.
• [21:57] People can protect themselves by using different email accounts.
• [24:34] Tips on protecting yourself when someone is impersonating you.
• [27:21] The future of identity should have big advances going forward that will involve AI.
• [31:40] Improved authenticator apps and DNA-based identity are in our futures.
• [36:22] Hackers are stealing credentials and logging into companies not breaking in.
• [39:01] Our identity needs to be protected more than an account number.
• [40:01] Clean house and get separate accounts for important things like banking.

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