On this episode of Mistaken Identity, Mike Kiser is joined by Katherine Teitler, VP of Research and Advisory at TAG Cyber. Her recent research illustrates the shifting role of identity—from an IT process to a foundational approach for security. While that’s the starting point, the conversation roams into disinformation, “sources of truth,” identity profiling via personal musical history, and, of course, the oldest instrument in the world: a neanderthal flute. Identity, as always, is a richer topic than we imagine.

Many people assume that there is some magic formula for success in identity. Is it having the right degree? Is it knowing the right people? Is it having a ”Particular set of skills?"

Today on Mistaken Identity, we interview three sets of people who are imminently unqualified at first glance. They’ve come from outside the expected backgrounds, the expected channels: their stories vary widely, but they have all found themselves thriving within the identity space.

Three pairs of people. Three sets of stories. Six unique journeys into identity. All on this single episode of Mistaken Identity.

A new season of Mistaken Identity is here with a special focus on election security, voting systems, and their impact on democracy. We have a range of guests coming to explain the ins and outs of election observing, online voting, and the current state of election security both in the United States and throughout the world. (Yes, that’s a big topic—and one that has surprising parallels to other forms of identity and security.)

In this episode, Dr. Susan Hyde, a Professor of Political Science from UC Berkeley, explains how Election Observers act as “auditors” of Election Security. She discusses some of her own experiences observing in Afghanistan, Albania, Indonesia, Liberia, Nicaragua, Pakistan and Venezuela. We then explore the role that Observers have played in the rise (and subsequent regression) in democracy throughout the world—including in the U.S. Finally, we outline the challenges that online voting may present to Election Observation.

Lawyer, Cyber Security and Privacy maven Liz Wharton regales us with tales of her hand-to-hand combat experience with the Atlanta Ransomware of 2018, and then unfolds the current state of facial recognition in all its manifold splendor. (And we didn’t even get to cover the security of drones, yet another of her areas of expertise.) Also: the latest update on a voting app failure (no, not that one), and what a new ransomware variant demands — full disclosure . . . it’s full disclosure. As Liz would say, “Shut the front door!” — it’s a wild ride on this episode of Mistaken Identity.

Loma Miller joins us to talk about the “customer experience” (16:31)— from pizza to haircuts to University of Michigan Football (yes, we covered a lot of ground.) Hannah Giles and Natalie Reina cover the headlines (2:38), which include a return to prominence by Ashley Madison, how Twitter can allow others to see your phone number without your consent, and the impact of the Coronavirus on an inbox near you. Finally, Loma runs the gauntlet of a new segment: “10 Questions.” It’s a cornucopia of coverage on this episode of Mistaken Identity. [Our producers have asked us to note, without editorial commentary, that Michigan went 9-4 this past year.]

Head over to our new Trust Issues podcast to get this weekly news update. Available wherever you get your podcasts!

Amidst the current heatwave, David Lee and Mike Kiser review the late summer identity landscape. They (well, Mike) propose a strategy for paying for the recent series of compliance-related fines by eliminating the entire public relations department, contemplate four days in a Dominican jail with John McAfee, and explore what the future holds sans Botox via the recent FaceApp debacle. [Note: no privacy terms were harmed in the recording of this podcast.] Although we’ve used this label before, this is a “very special” episode, as is it's David’s final time hosting Mistaken Identity; the cast and crew wish him well in his new adventure. Have no fear, though, faithful listener — Mistaken Identity will continue to inform and delight with all things identity, like a cold spring-fed pool in the heat of a late Austin summer. (And yes, we’re taking the rest of the day off to go jump in Barton Springs.)

Mistaken Identity | Identiverse 2019: A Capitol Affair by Mike Kiser

David Lee and Mike Kiser take you “live” to Navigate 2019 in beautiful Austin, TX in this very special episode of Mistaken Identity. Dr. Jen Golbeck explores the ethical issues that we face as we seek to employ algorithms and identity, VP of Product Management Rick Weinberg discusses the future of predictive identity, and SVP of Software Mike Siegel lays out a strategy for being an identity advocate in your organization. The episode wraps up with a description of what the Golden State Warriors can do to avoid an NBA Finals loss to the Toronto Raptors. (Spoiler alert: basically not much — congrats, Canada!) As a final note — your ears do not deceive you — we’re in the process of upgrading our podcasting equipment: so sit back and enjoy an enhanced version of the dulcet, silky tones of David’s sonorous voice (and endure Mike’s helium-inspired staccato as well).

If you weren’t able to make it San Francisco in early March for the RSA Conference, fear not — your intrepid men on the street, David Lee and Mike Kiser, traveled the highways and byways of the Bay Area to delve deep into the heart of the Moscone Center. Learn what it was like to be a part of the small temporary city that convenes once a year in the city by the Bay. Also discussed: the joy of fake online dating to defraud the lonely, the Mirai botnet invades the enterprise, and the details of the latest (at the time of recording) Facebook security disclosure. You’ll have to wait until the next podcast, however, to find out if Mike escapes from the large shipping container that he apparently found himself in.