Identity at the Center

• #379 - The Strategic Importance of Identity Security in Enterprises with Eve Maler

  In this episode of the Identity at the Center Podcast, Eve Maler, founder and CEO of Venn Factory joins host Jim McDonald. They discuss the significance of identity in the corporate world; detailing Eve's new book aimed at educating CEOs on the importance of treating identity as a strategic asset rather than mere infrastructure. They explore concepts like the evolving role of identity in security, the increasing risks posed by AI and cybersecurity threats, and the potential for organizational paralysis without proper identity management. Eve emphasizes the need for cross-functional focus and strategic ownership of identity functions within companies. The episode concludes with insights into public speaking and preparation, providing listeners with practical advice and industry insights.Connect with Eve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evemaler/Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:32 The Story Behind 'Venn Factory'02:09 Eve Maler's Book for CEOs04:42 The Importance of Digital Identity10:53 AI and Its Impact on Executives17:25 Organizational Challenges in Identity Management23:49 The Role of Identity in Organizations24:44 Escaping Organizational Paralysis25:08 Valuing Identities in the Digital Age28:13 B2B Identity Dynamics35:21 The Rise of Identity Security42:32 Public Speaking Tips and Lighter NotesConnect 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

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• #378 - Death and the Digital Estate (DADE)

  This episode of the Identity at the Center podcast delves into the complex topic of death and the digital estate (DADE). Jim McDonald hosts Dean Saxe, Heather Flanagan, and Mike Kiser, who discuss the importance of planning for digital assets after death, the cultural implications of digital identity, and the evolving role of technology in managing these assets. They emphasize the need for individuals to take proactive steps in documenting their digital estate and the challenges posed by varying legal frameworks and cultural perspectives. The conversation also touches on the future of digital identity in the age of AI and the ethical considerations surrounding it.Episode Links:Death and the Digital Estate (DADE) Community Group: https://openid.net/cg/death-and-the-digital-estate/Connect with Dean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanhsaxe/Connect with Heather: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hlflanagan/Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-kiser/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.comChapters00:00 Introduction to Identity at the Center Podcast00:10 Introduction to the Death and Digital Estate (DADE) group03:07 The Role of Identity in Digital Estates06:01 Understanding Digital Estate and Its Components09:09 Community Groups vs. Working Groups in Standards11:59 The Importance of Digital Estate Management15:09 Cultural Perspectives on Digital Death18:12 Legal and Ethical Considerations in Digital Estates20:59 Future of Digital Estate Planning24:03 Conclusion and Call to Action31:33 Cultural Frameworks and Digital Estates35:12 The Importance of Protocols in Digital Estate Management39:30 Navigating Digital Wills and Estate Planning42:19 Challenges in Digital Recovery and Access45:18 Actionable Steps for Digital Estate Planning48:52 Personal Reflections on Digital Legacy50:57 The Future of Digital Remembrance54:25 Final Thoughts and Community EngagementKeywordsdigital estate, death, identity management, OpenID Foundation, digital assets, cultural perspectives, technology, legal considerations, AI, planning guide

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• #377 - Sponsor Spotlight - Hush Security

  This episode is sponsored by Hush Security. Visit hush.security/idac to learn more.In this sponsored episode of Identity at the Center, hosts Jeff Steadman and Jim McDonald spotlight Hush Security, a company emerging from stealth with an innovative approach to machine identity and access management. CEO and co-founder Micha Rave explains why traditional secrets vaults can’t keep up with today’s scale, what it means to truly go “secrets-free,” and how Hush enables visibility, governance, and operability for modern and legacy environments alike.Discover:The real difference between non-human identities and static keysWhy legacy secrets management is breaking in the cloud and automation ageHush Security’s journey from stealth mode to active customersThe business case for removing vaults (and the risks with “hope and prayer” key rotation)How to transition to policy-based access—and measurement metrics for successFun discussions on pancakes vs. waffles in security leadership (really!)Learn more about Hush Security and get a free environment assessment: hush.security/idacConnect with Micha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micharave/Connect with IDAC 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#idac #identitymanagement #machineidentity #secretsmanagement #podcast #cybersecurity #JimMcDonald #JeffSteadman #HushSecurity #IdentityattheCenterChapters / Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome and Introduction (Hosts: Jeff and Jim)01:00 - Introducing Micha Rave and Hush Security03:00 - Micha’s Background and the Hush Team’s Journey06:00 - What Is Hush Security and Why Now?09:00 - Leaving Stealth Mode: Patents and Novel Approaches12:00 - What Makes Hush Special? Remediation vs. Visibility15:00 - Vaults vs. Secrets-Free Approach & Industry Gaps18:00 - Non-Human Identities: Static Keys, Secrets, and Access22:00 - Solving Problems Beyond Cloud: Custom vs. Packaged Software26:00 - The Scale of Machine Identity in the Cloud and Automation Age29:00 - Why Secrets Management Is Breaking and the Case for Policy-Based Access34:00 - From Scanning to Policy Enforcement: How Hush Works39:00 - Metrics, Success, and Executive Buy-in for Modern IAM43:00 - How to Get Started with Hush Security (Free Assessments)46:00 - Micha’s Conference Plans and Final Thoughts49:00 - Pancakes or Waffles?Keywords:IDAC, Identity at the Center, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald, Hush Security, machine identity, secrets management, secrets vault, IAM, cybersecurity, sponsored episode, non-human identities, policy-based access, vault elimination, cloud security, automation, zero trust, Micha Rave, podcast, identity management

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• #376 - Understanding Device Identity in a Zero Trust Framework with Shea McGrew

  In this episode of the Identity at the Center podcast, hosts Jeff and Jim dive into the concept of device identity within a Zero Trust framework. They are joined by Shea McGrew, CTO of Maricopa County Arizona, who provides insights into the importance of managing not just human but also device identities. The discussion explores the philosophical debate on whether machines can have identities, Zero Trust principles, and their application in a diverse and semi-autonomous organizational structure like that of the county government. Shea also shares her career journey, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, customer service, and continuous learning in IT. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted conversation on the never-ending pursuit of knowledge.Connect with Shea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shea-m-6b82a36/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Podcast Theme00:17 Defining Identity in Cybersecurity01:34 Debate: Can Non-Humans Have Identities?01:57 Guest Introduction: Shea McGrew04:15 Shea's Career Journey and Role as CTO09:28 Challenges and Rewards of Being a CTO11:41 Identity Strategy at Maricopa County14:48 Device Identity and Zero Trust Architecture29:56 Managed vs. Unmanaged Devices40:15 Understanding the NIST Framework42:52 Balancing Technology and People43:58 Training and Partner Collaboration48:03 Organizational Change Management50:40 Future of Device Identity54:40 Debating Machine Identity01:06:36 Curiosity as an Olympic Sport01:13:00 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect 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

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• #375 - Mailbag for September 2025

  Join Jeff Steadman and Jim McDonald for the September 2025 mailbag episode of Identity at the Center! This episode features listener questions from around the world about digital identity, trust, technology challenges, inclusion, biometrics, and even a candid discussion on air travel etiquette. Whether you're new to IAM or a veteran, you'll find practical advice and real stories. Plus, hear shout-outs to our global community and learn what’s coming up for the podcast team, including conferences and game shows. Don’t forget to leave your thoughts or questions in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!Chapter Timestamps:00:00 - Intro & Community Shout-Outs04:00 - Upcoming Conferences & Discount Codes07:00 - What the Podcast Is All About08:40 - Mailbag Intro: Listener Questions From Around the World09:20 - Engaging IT with IAM Concepts (Matt in Maine)13:20 - Building Trust in Digital Identity (Amara in India)18:30 - Practical Challenges for Large Programs (Sophie in France)25:45 - Digital Identity and the Unconnected (Jonas in Germany)33:15 - Biometric Data & Security Pros/Cons (Rachel in Canada)39:45 - Air Travel Etiquette: From Shoes Off to Elbow Room48:10 - Outro & ThanksConnect 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.comKeywords:IDAC, Identity at the Center, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald, mailbag, listener questions, digital identity, IAM, identity and access management, trust, technology inclusion, biometrics, air travel etiquette, conferences, community, YouTube, podcast, global audience, #idac

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