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

#369 - A Practitioner’s View on Identity with Anthony Viggiano

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 Sashwat: 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

#368 - Sponsor Spotlight - P0 Security

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:

 * RSM Defense Managed Security: https://rsmus.com/services/risk-fraud-cybersecurity/managed-security-services.html
 * RSM Digital Identity: https://rsmus.com/services/risk-fraud-cybersecurity/cybersecurity-business-vulnerability/identity-and-access.html



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

#367 - RSM & IDAC Present - The Intersection of Attack Surface Management and Identity

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

#366 - The Digital Transformation of Healthcare IAM with Shawna Hofer

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/



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

#365 - Exploring the Future of Machine Identity with Felix Gaehtgens

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 c

#364 - Building Bridges in Identity with IDPro Joni Brennan

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 [http://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

#363 - Sponsor Spotlight - Natoma

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

#362 - Identiverse 2025 - Diane Vicezar, DIAF Kim Cameron Award Winner

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 from The Walt Disney Company. 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

#361 - Identiverse 2025 - Sean O'Dell on Harnessing CAEP Abilities with Event-Driven Identity

This episode is sponsored by Trusona. Visit trusona.com/idac [http://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 [http://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

#360 - Sponsor Spotlight - Trusona

Identity 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? Want to join the conversation? Visit IdentityAtTheCenter.com or email us at questions@identityatthecenter.com

Jeff Steadman

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