
Identity at the Center
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?
Latest episodes

Feb 21, 2024 • 51min
#261 - IDAC Sponsor Spotlight - rf IDEAS
In this episode of the Identity at the Center podcast, hosts Jim and Jeff dive deep into the world of physical security and identity with special guests Sara King and Raul Cepeda from rf IDEAS. As part of the "Sponsor Spotlight" series, this fully sponsored episode provides in-depth insights into the innovative solutions offered by rf IDEAS. The discussion covers a range of topics, including the differentiation factors of rf IDEAS in a crowded market, their market presence in various verticals such as healthcare and manufacturing, and their support for passwordless environments. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the latest industry trends, such as the migration to secure and mobile credentials, the shift from BLE to NFC, and the importance of securing frontline worker shared workstations. The episode concludes with a lively discussion on the future of biometrics and the Reader Remote Management (RRM) capabilities provided by rf IDEAS. Tune in to discover how rf IDEAS is bridging physical and logical security to create a seamless authentication experience. Don't miss this engaging episode as Jim, Jeff, Sara, and Raul explore the latest advancements in physical security and identity, brought to you by rf IDEAS.
Learn more about rf IDEAS: https://www.rfideas.com/IDAC
Connect with Raul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raulcepedajr/
Connect with Sara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraking62389/
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 and follow @IDACPodcast on Twitter.

Feb 19, 2024 • 49min
#260 - Passkeys with Daniel Grube of TikTok
In this engaging episode of the Identity at the Center podcast, hosts Jeff Steadman and Jim McDonald welcome Daniel Grube, Product Manager at TikTok, back to the show. The discussion kicks off with Jeff's experience with the Apple Vision Pro, leading into a vibrant conversation about the Super Bowl, commercials, and personal tech preferences. The main topic of the episode is the innovative implementation and benefits of passkeys, with Daniel sharing insights from TikTok's perspective. The episode also touches on upcoming conferences, the importance of community reviews, and concludes with a light-hearted debate on the perennial traveler's dilemma: window vs. aisle seats.
Connect with Daniel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-grube-b5118993/
Identiverse 2024: As an IDAC listener, you can register with 25% off by using code IDV24-IDAC25 at https://events.identiverse.com/identiverse2024/register?code=IDV24-IDAC25.
Attending Identity Week in Europe, America, or Asia? Use our discount code IDAC30 for 30% off your registration fee! Learn more at:
Europe: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/identity-week/
America: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/identity-week-america
Asia: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/identity-week-asia/
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 and follow @IDACPodcast on Twitter.

Feb 12, 2024 • 1h 6min
#259 - The SOCs Role In Identity Security
In this episode, Jeff and Jim discuss the role of a Security Operations Center (SOC) in identity security. They are joined by Steve Kane and Todd Willoughby from RSM's Managed Security Practice. The conversation covers topics such as early adopters, the evolution of threats, the importance of identity in SOC, and the decision to build your own SOC or outsource. They also explore the anatomy of a breach and the actions taken by SOC to prevent and mitigate attacks. In this conversation, Todd and Steve discuss the tactics and techniques used by threat actors to avoid detection, the challenges faced by SOC analysts, and the importance of passion in cybersecurity. They also explore what happens when security measures break down and provide advice for aspiring SOC analysts. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted discussion about predictions for the Super Bowl.
Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skane2pa/
Connect with Todd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddhwilloughby/
RSM Security Monitoring & Response: https://rsmus.com/services/risk-fraud-cybersecurity/cybersecurity-business-vulnerability/security-monitoring-response.html
The easiest way to not get eaten is to at least try to not look like food: Hardening attack surfaces – Part 1: https://warroom.rsmus.com/the-easiest-way-to-not-get-eaten-is-to-at-least-try-to-not-look-like-food-hardening-attack-surfaces-part-1/
The easiest way to not get eaten is to at least try to not look like food: Critical asset considerations – Part 2: https://warroom.rsmus.com/the-easiest-way-to-not-get-eaten-is-to-at-least-try-to-not-look-like-food-critical-asset-considerations-part-2/
Attending Identity Week in Europe, America, or Asia? Use our discount code IDAC30 for 30% off your registration fee! Learn more at:
Europe: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/identity-week/
America: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/identity-week-america
Asia: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/identity-week-asia/
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 and follow @IDACPodcast on Twitter.

Feb 5, 2024 • 1h 13min
#258 - IDAC Mail Bag for January 2024
In this episode of the Identity at the Center Podcast, hosts Jim McDonald and Jeff Steadman dive into answering voicemail questions from listeners. They address topics such as the barrier of entry to IAM for entry-level roles, the role of IAM architects, influential roles in IAM with the rise of AI, and the choice between using Microsoft Enterprise Identity Protection or a dedicated third-party ITDR (IT Disaster Recovery) solution. They also touch on the difference between digital identity and IAM and share their favorite IAM analogies.
Attending Identity Week in Europe, America, or Asia? Use our discount code IDAC30 for 30% off your registration fee! Learn more at:
Europe: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/identity-week/
America: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/identity-week-america
Asia: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/identity-week-asia/
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 and follow @IDACPodcast on Twitter.

Feb 1, 2024 • 55min
#257 - IDAC Sponsor Spotlight - ConductorOne with Alex Bovee
In this episode of "Sponsor Spotlight," a special fully sponsored episode of The Identity at the Center podcast, Jim and Jeff host Alex Bovee, CEO at ConductorOne. They discuss the concept and advantages of identity governance, with a focus on how ConductorOne aids in secure workforce through modern access controls and identity governance. The discussion also explores the importance of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and LLM (Large Language Models) in identity governance. Alex also introduces the company's new major enhancement 'Access Fabric' which allows customers to holistically view their ecosystems allowing for greater insight and control, decreasing the long implementation times and complexity often associated with traditional IGA solutions.
Connect with Alex:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbovee/
Learn more about ConductorOne:
https://www.conductorone.com/?utm_source=identityatthecenter&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=c1-brand
ConductorOne Free Trial:
https://www.conductorone.com/lp/free-trial/?utm_source=identityatthecenter&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=c1-brand
Introducing ConductorOne Access Fabric: Unified Identity, Access, and Authorization Across Your Complex Environment:
https://www.conductorone.com/blog/introducing-conductorone-access-fabric-unified-identity-access-and-authorization-across-your-complex-environment/?utm_source=identityatthecenter&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=c1-brand
ConductorOne Blog - Reimagining Identity Governance:
https://www.conductorone.com/blog/reimagining-identity-governance/?utm_source=identityatthecenter&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=c1-brand
ConductorOne Blog - A Practical Approach to Achieving Zero Standing Privilege (ZSP):
https://www.conductorone.com/guides/a-practical-approach-to-achieving-zero-standing-privilege/?utm_source=identityatthecenter&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=c1-brand
ConductorOne Blog - Introducing the First AI Assistant for Identity Governance: ConductorOne Copilot:
https://www.conductorone.com/blog/introducing_the_first_ai_assistant_for_identity_governance_conductorone_copilot/?utm_source=identityatthecenter&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=c1-brand
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 and follow @IDACPodcast on Twitter.

Jan 29, 2024 • 1h 2min
#256 - IDAC of NIST with Ryan Galluzzo of NIST
In this episode of the Identity at the Center Podcast, hosts Jim McDonald and Jeff Steadman are joined by special guest Ryan Galluzzo, Identity Management Program Lead at NIST. They ask if identity is at the center for NIST and discuss the creation of NIST 800-63 r3, its upcoming revision, and the significance for identity practitioners. The conversation also touches upon NIST's involvement in mobile driver's licenses and their perspective on Zero Trust. Ryan shares insights on NIST's interactions with other nations and organizations in the non-public sector arena. The episode wraps up with some lighter hockey-themed questions, where Ryan reveals his dream beer league hockey teammate. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion with industry experts!
Connect with Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-galluzzo-a100563b/
NIST 800-63 Revision 3: https://pages.nist.gov/800-63-3/sp800-63-3.html
Attending Identity Week in Europe, America, or Asia? Use our discount code IDAC30 for 30% off your registration fee! Learn more at:
Europe: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/identity-week/
America: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/identity-week-america
Asia: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/identity-week-asia/
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 and follow @IDACPodcast on Twitter.

Jan 22, 2024 • 53min
#255 - CAEP and SSF 101 with Atul from SGNL and Sean from Disney
In this episode of the Identity at the Center Podcast, hosts Jim McDonald and Jeff Steadman are joined by guests Atul Tulshibagwale, CTO of SGNL and Co-chair of the Shared Signals Working Group, and Sean O'Dell, Senior Staff Security Engineer at Disney. The discussion revolves around Continuous Access Evaluation Profile (CAEP), Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR), and the Shared Signals Framework (SSF). Atul and Sean share their insights into the importance of CAEP, ITDR, and SSF for IAM practitioners. They also delve into real-life examples of how these concepts work together. The conversation concludes on a lighter note, with Sean sharing his Star Wars-themed office room and everyone discussing their favorite Star Wars, Marvel, or Indiana Jones movies and shows.
Connect with Atul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tulshi/
Learn more about SGNL: https://sgnl.ai/
Connect with Sean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanodentity/
Re-thinking federated identity with the Continuous Access Evaluation Protocol: https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/identity-security/re-thinking-federated-identity-with-the-continuous-access-evaluation-protocol
Shared Signals Working Group: https://openid.net/wg/sharedsignals/
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 and follow @IDACPodcast on Twitter.

Jan 15, 2024 • 1h 9min
#254 - Exploring Digital Identity with Phil Windley
The Identity at the Center podcast is back for 2024! Jim McDonald and Jeff Steadman are joined by guest Phil Windley, Senior Software Development Manager at AWS Identity and co-founder/organizer of the Internet Identity Workshop, to share his insights on digital identity. Join us as we dive into topics such as Phil's journey into the field of identity, his involvement in the Internet Identity Workshop, and his book "Learning Digital Identity." We also discuss the book writing process, key takeaways, and the future of identity innovation. Don't miss this engaging conversation with one of the leading experts in the field!
Phil’s website: http://phil.windley.org/
Learning Digital Identity by Phil Windley: https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Digital-Identity-Design-Architectures/dp/1098117697
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 and follow @IDACPodcast on Twitter.

Jan 8, 2024 • 47min
#253 - Chrysalis IV with Gary Rowe of TechVision Research
This episode of the Identity at the Center podcast features Jeff Steadman and Jim McDonald in conversation with Gary Rowe, CEO and founder of TechVision Research. They discussed the upcoming Chrysalis IV conference focused on the future of identity, security, governance, and privacy within large enterprises. The conference hosts panels of industry legends and offers deep explorations of topics such as AI's impact on these fields. Gary elaborates on what 'next-gen' means to him in the context of identity and access management and the importance of large organizations' ability to evolve swiftly considering the rapid advancement of technology. The conversation concludes with a lighter note, talking about the best holiday meals. (Note: Use the discount code IDAC24 for 50% off when registering for the Chrysalis IV conference - link below.)
Connect with Gary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-rowe-b6966523/
TechVision Chrysalis IV Online Event - Use code IDAC24 for $200 off: https://techvisionresearch.com/chrysalis-iv/
Report - The Future of Identity Management (2024-2029): https://techvisionresearch.com/project/future-identity-management-2024-2029/
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 and follow @IDACPodcast on Twitter.

Dec 18, 2023 • 33min
#252 - Wrapping up 2023
In this episode of the Identity at the Center Podcast, hosts Jim McDonald and Jeff Steadman reflect on the past year, highlighting the 59 episodes released and the growth in their listener base. The hosts also share some exciting firsts for the show, including their involvement in conferences such as Gartner, Identiverse, and Authenticate in 2023. Jim and Jeff touch upon the pending non-profit status of the podcast and delve into a speed round, answering questions about their identity heroes, important new technologies in identity, and the impact of AI on identity in the next five years. The episode concludes on a lighter note as they discuss their preferences between Android and iPhone, recommend TV shows to watch over the holiday break, and the “potato” question. Thanks to everyone that guested, listened, subscribed, and shared the show in 2023. See you in 2024!
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 and follow @IDACPodcast on Twitter.