

Identity at the Center
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?
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 1min
#332 - Sponsor Spotlight - IAMONES
This episode is sponsored by IAMONES. Visit https://iamones.ai/idac to learn more.In this sponsored episode of the Identity at the Center podcast, Jim welcomes Andrea Rossi from IAMONES, an innovative conversational identity governance platform. They discuss the revolutionary approach IAMONES takes in simplifying identity and access management (IAM) using large language models (LLM). Andrea explains how IAMONES aims to eliminate the need for complex roles and middle layers by providing business users with direct and comprehensible access to system functions. The discussion dives into the practical applications of LLM in enhancing existing IAM systems, particularly focusing on making permissions and entitlements more understandable and manageable for business users, auditors, and administrators. The episode also highlights the ease of integrating IAMONES with existing identity infrastructures and offers insights into reducing the burden of maintaining multilingual UIs. Tune in to learn more about the potential of AI in transforming IAM.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Simplifying Access Management02:11 Welcome to the Identity at the Center Podcast02:23 Sponsor Spotlight: Andrea Rossi from IAMONES05:04 The Story Behind the Name 'IAMONES'08:16 Conversational Identity and Large Language Models12:35 Revolutionizing IGA with AI17:22 The Future of AI in Identity Management23:08 Enhancing IGA Configuration with Natural Language31:37 Understanding Outcomes in Identity Governance32:09 The Shift from RBAC to PBAC33:35 Challenges with Role Explosion34:02 Introducing Temporal Identity Graph35:27 Simplifying Access for Business Users39:36 Ensuring Proper Data Visibility46:06 Implementing the Identity Gateway48:45 Customer Feedback and Success Metrics52:07 Future of AI in Identity Management56:21 Travel Tips for Visiting ItalyConnect with Andrea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arossi67Learn more about IAMONES: https://iamones.ai/idacRamones - Blitzkrieg Bop (Official Music Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=268C3N2dDYkMicrosoft’s Satya Nadella on the evolution of SaaS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_RjOhCkhvQ&t=22sConnect 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 watch at https://www.youtube.com/@idacpodcast

Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 9min
#331 - RSM & IDAC Present - Risk Management & Digital Identity with Matt Franko
Matt Franko, Principal at RSM who leads cyber strategy and IAM work, joins to discuss where identity fits in risk management. They cover top attack vectors like phishing and weak passwords. Conversation touches on IAM ownership, limiting admin access, zero trust basics, AI and cloud impacts, and leadership lessons from coaching youth sports.

Feb 10, 2025 • 51min
#330 - Mastering Group Management with Microsoft's David Johnson
David Johnson, Principal PM Architect at Microsoft who governs Microsoft 365, Entra, and SharePoint at scale. He talks group types and membership management. He covers guest definitions, lifecycle and reattestation. He explains labeling, data protection, and how AI like Copilot changes permissions and governance.

Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 10min
#329 - Discovering Effective User Access Reviews with Stephen Washington
Stephen Washington, Head of IAM at Discover Financial, brings decades of identity and access management experience. He discusses why user access reviews matter, lifecycle and service account cleanup, and how AI, identity data lakes, and policy shifts can make certifications less painful. Conversation also touches on IGA evolution and practical steps to get auditors and teams aligned.

Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 1min
#328 - Continuous Identity with Sean O’Dentity
In this engaging conversation, Sean O'Dell, an identity expert from Disney, shares his insights on optimizing identity and access management. They discuss the importance of data integrity for security, along with innovative frameworks like the Shared Signals Framework and Continuous Access Evaluation Profile. The talk highlights the shift toward event-driven identity management and the complexities of verifying identities in a zero-trust environment. Sean also emphasizes the critical role of accurate, centralized data in enhancing security practices.

Jan 22, 2025 • 59min
#327 - Sponsor Spotlight - Andromeda Security
This episode is sponsored by Andromeda Security. Learn more at https://www.andromedasecurity.com/idac
Join Jeff and Jim on the Identity at the Center podcast as they chat with Ashish Shah, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Andromeda Security. In this sponsored episode, Ashish dives deep into the importance of solving identity security problems, especially in cloud and SaaS environments. He explains how Andromeda's AI-powered platform focuses on both human and non-human identities, offering use case-driven solutions for security maturity. The discussion covers challenges, AI and machine learning applications, and practical insights into permissions management, risk scoring, just-in-time access, and more. Stay tuned for interesting takes on identity security and some fun recommendations for your reading/listening list.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Identity as a Data Problem
00:41 Overview of Andromeda's Capabilities
01:27 Welcome to the Identity at the Center Podcast
02:03 Meet Ashish Shah, Co-Founder of Andromeda
02:37 The Genesis of Andromeda
03:33 Addressing Identity Security Challenges
05:29 Andromeda's Approach to Identity Security
09:44 Measuring Success with Andromeda
12:21 Andromeda's Market Position and Ideal Customers
18:35 The Rise of Non-Human Identities
28:42 Understanding Identity and Accounts in AWS
28:54 The Concept of Incarnations in Identity Management
29:42 Human and Non-Human Identities
32:13 Challenges in Authorization and Access Control
32:44 Implementing Zero Trust and Least Privilege
35:10 Role of AI and Machine Learning in Identity Management
36:21 Risk Scoring and Behavioral Analysis
39:04 Customer Data and Model Training
41:08 Explainability and Security of AI Models
46:14 Customer Influence on Model Tuning
49:03 Andromeda's Offer and Final Thoughts
51:34 Book Recommendations and Closing Remarks
Connect with Ashish: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishbshah/
Learn more about Andromeda: https://www.andromedasecurity.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 and watch at https://www.youtube.com/@idacpodcast
Keywords:
Identity security, IAM, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, AI, machine learning, ML, non-human identities, NHI, just-in-time access, JIT, IGA, privileged access management, PAM, identity threat detection and response, ITDR, cloud security, SaaS security, Andromeda Security, Ashish Shah, IDAC, Identity at the Center, Jim McDonald, Jeff Steadman

Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 5min
#326 - IAM in 2025 with Martin Kuppinger
Martin Kuppinger, Founder and Principal Analyst at KuppingerCole, dives deep into the future of identity management. He discusses the integration of AI in identity verification, stressing the need for reliable, decentralized solutions. The conversation highlights emerging trends like policy-based access and the importance of reusable identities. Martin also introduces a chatbot designed to enhance SaaS models while pondering the evolving European identity landscape. Plus, listeners can look forward to travel tips for Berlin and insights on the upcoming European Identity and Cloud Conference.

Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 9min
#325 - Theorycrafting Modern Identity Architecture with Ian Glazer
Ian Glazer, founder of Weave Identity and Digital Identity Advancement Foundation, shares frameworks for modern identity architecture. He discusses layered policy and data tiers. He explores orchestration, execution, and event-driven IAM. He highlights ephemeral access, workforce identity data platforms, and the push for standardized open data schemas.

Jan 6, 2025 • 1h 19min
#324 - RSM & IDAC Present - The Intersection of Cybersecurity and Digital Identity with Tauseef Ghazi
Tauseef Ghazi, the Security and Privacy practice lead at RSM, unpacks the intricate dance between cybersecurity and digital identity. He highlights the vital role of apprenticeship in addressing the skills gap, emphasizing mentorship over short-term roles. Ghazi explores the impact of AI and blockchain on identity management, and the pressing need for resilience in cloud environments. With insights on the zero trust framework and the importance of continuous skill investment, he inspires listeners to balance personal growth with professional challenges.

Dec 16, 2024 • 1h 3min
#323 - Identity Security with Silverfort’s Hed Kovetz
Hed Kovetz, CEO and co-founder of Silverfort, leads identity security at a company protecting human and non-human access. He discusses securing legacy and modern systems, the rise of service accounts and non-human identities, preserving startup-style innovation while scaling, and how AI will reshape attacks, defenses, and identity strategy.


