Identity At The Center #14: KuppingerCole Consumer Identity World Conference Part 1

In this episode of the Identity at the Center Podcast, hosts Jeff and Jim sit down with Tobin South, co-chair of the OpenID Foundation's AI Identity Management Community Group, to delve into the intricacies of identity management in the age of agentic AI. They discuss the challenges and solutions related to AI agents, the role of the Model Context Protocol (MCP), and the concept of recursive delegation and scope attenuation. Additionally, the conversation covers practical advice for developers and enterprises on preparing for AI-driven identity management and explores the cultural touchstone of coffee from various global perspectives.Connect with Tobin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobinsouth/OpenID Foundation: https://openid.net/Identity Management for Agentic AI (OpenID Whitepaper): https://openid.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Identity-Management-for-Agentic-AI.pdfConnect 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.comChapter Timestamps:00:00 – Jeff and Jim banter about unopened iPads and conference season05:55 – Introduction to Tobin South and his AI identity background07:00 – How AI has evolved from machine learning to generative models09:00 – The OpenID AI Identity Management Community Group10:30 – ChatGPT’s impact on the AI perception shift12:00 – Users vs. Agents: What’s the difference?14:00 – Letting the right bots in: AI agents vs. bad bots17:00 – AI impersonation, delegation, and the risk of shared credentials20:00 – Impersonation vs. Delegation – what practitioners need to know23:00 – Governance, oversight, and delegated authority for agents26:00 – Liability and “who is responsible” in agentic systems30:00 – How developers can prepare for agent identity and access management32:00 – Explaining the Model Context Protocol (MCP)36:00 – Enterprise use cases for MCP and internal automation38:00 – Is MCP the next SAML?42:00 – Recursive delegation and scope attenuation explained46:00 – The one key takeaway for IAM professionals48:00 – Lighter note: Coffee talk – from Sydney to San Francisco54:00 – Wrap-up and where to find more IDAC contentKeywords:IDAC, Identity at the Center, Jim McDonald, Jeff Steadman, Tobin South, OpenID Foundation, AI Identity Management, Agentic AI, Delegated Authority, Impersonation vs Delegation, Model Context Protocol (MCP), Recursive Delegation, Scope Attenuation, Identity Access Management, IAM, AI Governance, AI Standards, Enterprise AI, AI Agents, Identity Security

8 Des 55min

This episode is sponsored by Aembit. Visit aembit.io/idac to learn more.Jeff and Jim welcome David Goldschlag, CEO and Co-founder of Aembit, to discuss the rapidly evolving world of non-human access and workload identity. With the rise of AI agents in the enterprise, organizations face a critical challenge: how to secure software-to-software connections without relying on static, shared credentials.David shares his unique background, ranging from working on The Onion Router (Tor) at the Naval Research Lab to the DIVX rental system, and explains how those experiences inform his approach to identity today. The conversation covers the distinction between human and non-human access, the risks of using user credentials for AI agents, and why we must shift from managing secrets to managing access policies.This episode explores real-world use cases for AI agents in financial services and retail, the concept of hybrid versus autonomous agents, and practical advice for identity practitioners looking to get ahead of the agentic AI wave.Visit Aembit: https://aembit.io/idacConnect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgoldschlagConnect 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.comTimestamps00:00 - Intro00:51 - Pronunciation of Aembit and the extra 'E'01:56 - David's background: From NSA to Enterprise Security04:58 - The meaning behind the name Aembit06:00 - David's history with The Onion Router (Tor)10:00 - Differentiating Non-Human Access from Workforce IAM11:39 - The security risks of AI Agents using human credentials14:15 - Manage Access, Not Secrets16:00 - Use Cases: Financial Analysts and Retail24:00 - Hybrid Agents vs. Autonomous Agents30:38 - Will we have agentic versions of ourselves?36:45 - How Identity Practitioners can handle the AI wave38:33 - Measuring success and ROI for workload identity43:20 - A blast from the past: DIVX and Circuit City52:15 - ClosingKeywordsIDAC, Identity at the Center, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald, Aembit, David Goldschlag, Non-human access, Workload Identity, AI Agents, Machine Identity, Cybersecurity, IAM, InfoSec, Tor, DIVX, Zero Trust, Secrets Management, Authentication, Authorization

3 Des 53min

In this episode of The Identity at the Center Podcast, hosts Jim McDonald and Jeff Steadman catch up with John Tolbert, Director of Cybersecurity Research at KuppingerCole Analysts, to talk about the rapidly evolving world of Fraud Reduction Intelligence Platforms (FRIP).They explore:The six capabilities of modern fraud reduction systemsHow AI and machine learning are both helping and hurting fraud preventionWhy shared signals and orchestration are critical for financial and e-commerce use casesHow identity verification, device intelligence, and behavioral biometrics work togetherThe role of usability and integration in FRI adoptionPlus, stick around for a fun discussion about concerts, classic rock, and which legendary bands they wish they’d seen live.Listen now to learn how identity, fraud, and AI are colliding — and what’s next for fraud intelligence.Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-tolbert/Fraud Reduction Intelligence Platforms - Finance (KuppingerCole Report): https://www.kuppingercole.com/research/lc80841/fraud-reduction-intelligence-platforms-financeFraud Reduction Intelligence Platforms - eCommerce (KuppingerCole Report): https://www.kuppingercole.com/research/bc81030/fraud-reduction-intelligence-platforms-ecommerceConnect 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.comChapter Timestamps:00:00 – Jim’s passwordless rant and setup woes05:00 – Introducing guest John Tolbert06:30 – Catching up: four years since John’s last appearance07:30 – What is CIAM and how has it evolved?09:30 – Understanding Fraud Reduction Intelligence Platforms (FRIP)10:00 – The six core capabilities of FRI solutions13:00 – Are most vendors point solutions or full platforms?14:00 – How identity verification is improving16:00 – SaaS and API-driven fraud detection models18:00 – What kinds of fraud can (and can’t) FRI prevent?21:00 – The growing problem of bots and automation22:00 – Fraud trends in finance: scams, account takeovers, and synthetic identities25:00 – Information sharing and the role of shared signals28:00 – Collaboration vs. competition in fraud prevention31:00 – Fraud in e-commerce: bots, loyalty points, and returns abuse34:00 – Streaming and citizen fraud use cases36:00 – Where do FRI capabilities fit within IAM platforms?43:00 – The importance of orchestration and integration44:30 – The role of AI and ML in fraud prevention47:30 – Smart questions for evaluating FRI vendors50:30 – Concert talk: Pink Floyd, Metallica, and the ones that got away58:00 – Wrap-up and where to find John Tolbert’s reportsKeywords:Fraud Reduction Intelligence, FRI Platforms, John Tolbert, KuppingerCole, Identity at the Center, IDAC, IAM, CIAM, Cybersecurity Research, Fraud Prevention, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Behavioral Biometrics, Device Intelligence, Identity Verification, Risk Orchestration, API Security, Financial Fraud, E-Commerce Fraud, Shared Signals, Jim McDonald, Jeff Steadman, IDAC Podcast

1 Des 59min

Jim McDonald and Jeff Steadman sit down with Mike Reiring of RSM at InfoSec World 2025 to explore how managed service providers are reshaping IT and identity operations. They dig into the differences between MSPs and MSSPs, how to choose the right partner, and how AI is transforming help desks, problem management, and security monitoring. The conversation closes with a fun dive into Mike’s passion for photography and how creativity ties into continuous learning in tech.Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mreiring/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 Intro – Live from InfoSec World 202502:00 Meet Mike Reiring of RSM04:30 Evolution of Managed Service Providers06:30 Shared Accounts, Identity, and Security Maturity09:00 Vendor Gaps and Federated Access Challenges11:30 What Makes a Good MSP Partner13:00 The Cost and Effort of Changing Providers16:30 MSP vs MSSP – Key Differences18:30 Coordination Between Managed Providers21:30 Top 3 Questions to Ask Your MSP25:00 Identity Ownership: IT or Security?27:30 Licensing, Active Directory, and Hidden Accounts30:00 RFP Challenges and Procurement Pitfalls32:00 Measuring Risk and Reducing Identity Exposure34:30 Vendor Management and Shadow IT Risks35:00 How AI Is Transforming MSP and MSSP Operations38:30 AI, Problem Management, and the Future of Help Desks42:30 Photography, Creativity, and Continuous Learning48:00 Closing Thoughts and IDAC OutroKeywordsIDAC, Identity at the Center, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald, Mike Reiring, RSM, InfoSec World 2025, Managed Service Provider, MSP, MSSP, AI in Cybersecurity, Help Desk, Identity Management, Managed Identity, Partner Transparency, IT Outsourcing, Risk Reduction, Problem Management, Active Directory, DaVinci Resolve, Photography in Tech, Identity Governance, Cybersecurity Podcast

24 Nov 50min

In this episode of the Identity at the Center podcast, hosts Jeff and Jim broadcast from InfoSec World 2025, sharing lively discussions on identity management, AI security, and identity's evolving role in information security. They are joined by Ross Young and G Mark Hardy, co-hosts of the CISO Tradecraft podcast, who share their journeys into cybersecurity, illuminating how identity intersects with cybersecurity topics like deep fakes, AI implications, and non-human identities. The conversation also covers practical advice for securing budget approvals for identity projects and speculations on the role of AI in cybersecurity's future. The episode wraps up with each guest sharing personal ideas for potential new podcast ventures.The CISO Tradecraft podcast: CISOTradecraft.comConnect with Ross: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrrossyoung/Connect with G Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gmarkhardy/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 and Welcome00:16 Live from InfoSec World 202500:52 Shoutouts and Day Jobs01:37 Meeting Ross and G Mark from the CISO Tradecraft podcast02:22 Ross's Journey into Cybersecurity04:24 G Mark's Cybersecurity Career Path07:44 Top Concerns for CISOs Today09:53 The Role of Identity in Cybersecurity16:18 Challenges and Trends in Identity Management24:33 Pitching Identity Projects to CISOs32:21 The Role of AI in Automating SOC Operations33:23 AI's Impact on Developer Efficiency35:48 The Future of AI-Assisted Coding37:42 Challenges and Opportunities in AI and Cybersecurity39:46 The Importance of Human Expertise in AI Development48:17 The Role of Identity in Information Security49:44 Introduction to CISO Tradecraft Podcast55:24 Podcasting Tips and Personal Interests01:00:48 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsKeywords:Identity at the Center, IDAC, CISO Tradecraft, InfoSec World 2025, cybersecurity leadership, identity security, IAM, AI security, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald, Ross Young, G. Mark Hardy, InfoSec, CISOs, cyber career development, non-human identity, deepfakes, security automation

17 Nov 1h 1min

This episode is sponsored by Nexis. Visit nexis-secure.com/idac to learn more.In this sponsored episode of *Identity at the Center*, host Jim McDonald sits down with Dr. Heiko Klarl, CEO of Nexis, to explore how the company is advancing authorization governance for modern enterprises. Dr. Klarl explains how Nexis builds visibility and control across fragmented identity landscapes and why “better together” is the right strategy for enterprises with multiple IAM systems.They discuss the emerging Identity Visibility and Intelligence Platform (IVIP) category, the value of automation and remediation in governance, Nexis’s unique “health check” service, and their ISPM capability that helps clients identify unnecessary access—and even save on software licensing.Learn how Nexis integrates with IGA and PAM tools, streamlines application onboarding, and helps customers measure the real business impact of their identity programs.Connect with Heiko: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heiko-klarl/More about Nexis: https://nexis-secure.com/idacConnect 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.comChapters00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message00:42 Meet Dr. Heiko Klarl, CEO of Nexis01:29 Dr. Klarl's Journey into Identity and Access Management03:09 What Does Nexis Do?05:00 Challenges in Authorization Governance06:43 The Importance of Visibility in Identity Systems08:23 Nexis' Role in Enhancing Existing IAM Investments10:05 The Concept of IVIP and Its Relevance21:48 Nexis Platform Capabilities23:24 The Health Check: A Deep Dive27:22 Understanding Health Check Costs28:27 Exploring ISPM and License Management32:09 How Nexis Integrates with IGA Systems34:11 Application Onboarding and Compliance36:38 Measuring Value and Success with Nexis43:10 Global Reach and Market Focus45:02 Connecting at Conferences46:49 Visiting Germany: Recommendations and Insights50:17 Final Thoughts and ResourcesKeywordsIDAC, Identity at the Center, Jim McDonald, Jeff Steadman, Dr. Heiko Klarl, Nexis, Nexis Secure, NEXIS 4, authorization governance, role mining, role management, IGA, IAM, IVIP, Identity Visibility and Intelligence Platform, access certification, remediation automation, health check, ISPM, Identity Security Posture Management, license management, enterprise identity, compliance, visibility, identity governance, access review, Gartner IAM, EIC, KuppingerCole

13 Nov 52min

Live from Authenticate 2025, Jeff Steadman and Jim McDonald sit down with the Cal Ripken of IDAC, Andrew Shikiar, Executive Director and CEO of the FIDO Alliance. Andrew shares exciting updates on the incredible progress of Passkeys, revealing that over 3 billion are now in use securing accounts. We discuss the key themes of the conference, including the ongoing arms race with AI in security and the critical role of identity verification. Andrew also unveils the new Passkey Index, an initiative to provide industry benchmarks for deployment success. Looking ahead, the conversation shifts to the FIDO Alliance's broadening focus on digital credentials and wallets, aiming to solve the usability and certification challenges that have held the space back. Finally, we hear about the global expansion of the Authenticate conference brand, with a new event launching in Singapore.Connect with Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewshikiar/Learn more about FIDO: https://fidoalliance.org/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.comChapter Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction to Authenticate 2025 Themes00:02:50 - Welcoming Andrew Shikiar of the FIDO Alliance00:04:00 - Andrew's Keynote: Passkey Progress and Future Goals00:05:17 - Over 3 Billion Passkeys in Use00:06:57 - Improving the Passkey User Experience (UX)00:09:02 - Introducing the Passkey Index for Benchmarking00:10:46 - The Growth of the Authenticate Conference00:14:55 - FIDO Alliance's New Focus: Digital Credentials and Wallets00:17:25 - Overcoming Hurdles in Digital Credential Adoption00:20:03 - The Role of Major Stakeholders in FIDO's Success00:23:05 - The Future of the Authenticate Conference00:24:00 - Announcing Authenticate APAC in Singapore00:25:07 - Global Differences in Passkey Adoption00:28:19 - Closing Thoughts and FIDO Feud RecapKeywords:Andrew Shikiar, FIDO Alliance, Passkeys, Authenticate 2025, identity verification, digital credentials, digital wallets, passwordless, WebAuthn, user experience, Passkey Index, cybersecurity, authentication, mobile driver's license, multi-factor authentication, IDAC, Identity at the Center, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald

10 Nov 30min

Live from Authenticate 2025, Jeff Steadman and Jim McDonald sit down with Dr. Tina Srivastava, an IDPro board member and co-founder of Badge Inc., for a crucial discussion on the rapidly evolving landscape of identity and authentication.Tina shares her insights on the conference, the evolution from physical hacks to sophisticated AI-driven threats like supercharged phishing, and the current challenges facing the industry. The conversation delves into the complexities of synced Passkeys, the critical vulnerability of account recovery processes, and the slow pace of regulation in keeping up with technology.As a board member for IDPro, Tina highlights the immense value of the practitioner-focused community, the supportive culture within its Slack channels, and makes an exciting announcement about the creation of new member-driven committees to shape the future of the organization. They explore the concept of the "AI arms race" and why identity professionals cannot afford to wait for the next big thing, emphasizing that collaboration and information sharing through communities like IDPro are essential to staying ahead of adversaries.Connect with Tina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-s-8291438a/Find out more about IDPro: https://www.idpro.org/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 and Greetings00:16 Highlights from Authenticate 202501:39 FIDO Feud Rematch Discussion03:17 Guest Introduction: Tina Srivastava03:46 Conference Insights and AI Challenges06:16 Regulatory Environment and Passkeys09:11 Phishing and AI Supercharged Attacks12:28 QR Codes and Accessibility Issues13:09 The Importance of Phishing Resistant Authentication22:24 IDPro Community and Practitioner Support25:18 Community Support and Engagement26:26 IDPro's Role in Identity Events27:48 Future Directions for IDPro29:19 Introducing Committees in IDPro30:39 AI and Identity Verification37:07 The Importance of Information Sharing45:35 Public Speaking and Personal Growth50:58 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsKeywordsIDAC, Identity at the Center, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald, Tina Srivastava, IDPro, Authenticate 2025, Passkeys, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Phishing, Deepfakes, Authentication, Account Recovery, Biometrics, Identity and Access Management, IAM, NIST, Regulation, Identity Verification, Synced Passkeys, FIDO Alliance

3 Nov 52min