Decoder with Nilay Patel

Biometrics? Bring it on: Why Okta’s Jameeka Green Aaron wants passwords to go away

Aug 29, 2023

Okta's Jameeka Green Aaron discusses the concept of digital identity and the need for alternative methods to passwords. They explore the importance of key management and security, as well as the challenges of implementing biometric authentication technologies. The future of passwords and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace are also highlighted.

01:13:12

Episode guests

Jameeka Green Aaron

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Quick takeaways

Okta is not just a security company but an identity company, aiming to redefine digital identity and enable individuals to control their own digital identities.

Okta provides solutions for secure logins and authentication, extending beyond the workforce to interact with consumers in various contexts, with a focus on enhancing user experience.

The introduction of passwordless authentication, such as passkeys implemented through biometrics, offers a convenient and secure way for individuals to access their accounts and protect their digital identities.

Deep dives

The Importance of Identity in the Digital World

Okta, a leading identity company, is not just a security company, but an identity company. Their goal is to redefine digital identity and enable individuals to have control over their own digital identities. This includes the concept of owning one's true digital identity and aligning it with their offline identity. Okta aims to create a seamless and secure process where physical and digital identities are protected and verified.

The Future of Digital Identity: Consumer Control and Information Privacy

01:24

The Challenge of Key Management in Cybersecurity

02:47

The CISO's Journey: Generative AI and Cybersecurity Challenges

01:26

Introduction

2min

The Role of Okta in Securing Digital Identities

20min

The Importance of Key Management and Security by Design

6min

The Importance of Keys in Security

21min

Making Technology Accessible and Secure: Biometrics and More

2min

The Importance of Industry Standards and Collaboration in Biometric Authentication

6min

The Future of Passwords

11min

The Importance of Diversity and Intentional Behaviors

6min

Okta is a big company, a Wall Street SaaS darling. For most of us, it's the thing we have to log into 50 times a week just to get any work done. But from Okta's point of view, Jameeka Green Aaron told us, it's an identity company.

I spoke with Jameeka about what "identity" really means — in the digital space, in your real life, and at work — in 2023, and how an identity-based approach might be more or less secure than other approaches. I’m also gearing up to host Code in September (apply to attend here), and I’m thinking a lot about AI — very much a challenge for the future of security, even in a biometric-based era.

Links:

Apple IDs now support passkeys — if you’re on the iOS 17 or macOS Sonoma betas

How to use a passkey to sign in to your Google account

Windows 11 tests letting you sign in to websites with a fingerprint or face

Apple, Google, and Microsoft will soon implement passwordless sign-in on all major platforms

Microsoft called out for ‘blatantly negligent’ cybersecurity practices

Okta Faces Long Road Back

At Okta, CTO and CISO collaborate by design

Apply to attend the Code Conference

Credits:

Decoder is a production of The Verge, and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Today’s episode was produced by Kate Cox and was edited by Callie Wright.