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

In this episode of the Identity at the Center podcast, hosts Jeff and Jim engage in an insightful conversation with Darren Rolls, a veteran in the Identity and Access Management (IAM) field. They discuss the complexities of identity fabrics, the evolving landscape of IAM, the impact of AI, and the challenges of integrating new technologies with legacy systems. Darren shares his thoughts on upcoming trends, practical advice for IAM practitioners, and even his personal experience with kite surfing. Tune in to gain expert perspectives on the future of IAM and the significance of continuous learning and adaptation in this dynamic field.

Connect with Darran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darran-rolls/

Identity Innovations Blog: https://identityinnovationlabs.com/identity-insights/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter

00:17 Discussing Identity Fabrics and Leadership Compass

03:19 Upcoming Conferences and Events

05:32 Interview with Darren Rolls: Identity Management Journey

09:09 Evolution and Challenges in Identity Management

24:41 Future of Identity Management and AI

32:05 The Future of IAM in the Age of AI

33:12 The Rise of Agent-Based Applications

34:12 Challenges in Identity and Access Management

35:31 Exploring Vibe Coding and AI Utilities

38:09 Monitoring and Telemetry in IAM

40:17 The Evolution of Identity Management

42:05 The Role of Laws in IAM Architecture

46:16 Balancing Legacy Systems with Future Innovations

51:39 Kite Surfing Adventures and Reflections

59:01 Closing Thoughts and Future Engagements

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

Sponsored by Axonius. Visit https://www.axonius.com/idac to learn more.

In this sponsored episode of the Identity at the Center Podcast, hosts Jeff and Jim talk with Amir Ofek, the CEO of AxoniusX, about the company's innovative solutions in identity and access management (IAM). The discussion covers Amir's journey into IAM, the unique challenges of managing identities, and how AxoniusX's data-driven approach provides comprehensive visibility and intelligence. The episode breaks down various use cases, the importance of identity hygiene, automation of identity processes, and the newly recognized identity visibility and intelligence platform (IVIP) by Gartner.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:57 Guest Introduction: Amir, CEO of AxoniusX

01:12 Amir's Journey into Identity Access Management

02:40 Understanding Axonius and AxoniusX

08:03 The Importance of Identity Visibility and Intelligence

11:48 Challenges in Identity Management

22:10 Axonius's Approach to Identity Visibility

26:35 Leveraging AI and Machine Learning in Identity Management

31:18 Understanding Permission Changes and Their Importance

32:10 The Role of Observability in Axonius

32:37 Driving Actions with Axonius

33:30 Common Use Cases and Workflows

35:19 Axonius as a Swiss Army Knife

36:16 Ease of Use and AI Integration

38:49 Starting with Axonius and Measuring Value

43:42 Future Directions for Axonius

49:49 The Identity Community and Upcoming Events

51:23 Skiing Adventures and Tips

57:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Amir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirofek/

Learn more about Axonius: https://www.axonius.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