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
