Authentic Talks - An HID Podcast

HID Authentication Experts
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Business

Authentic Talks is designed to be a raw, unfiltered space where identity professionals — from analysts to CISOs — speak candidly about their journeys, challenges, and breakthroughs. This isn't polished marketing. It's real talk about what's working, what's broken, and what's next.

Episodes

  1. Jun 23 ·  Video

    What FIDO Alliance Sees Next: Passkeys, AI Agents, and the Future of Identity?

    What happens after the password dies? In Episode 6 of Authentic Talks, host Arielle Slama sits down with Megan Shamas, Chief Marketing Officer of the FIDO Alliance, to explain what's next for passkeys, AI agents, and digital identity Just weeks after the FIDO Alliance announced that passkey adoption surpassed 5 billion credentials worldwide, the organization also launched new initiatives focused on AI agent authentication, digital credentials, and trusted commerce. At the same time, OpenAI joined the Alliance, helping accelerate industry efforts to build trust into the next generation of AI-powered systems.  Megan shares how FIDO has evolved from eliminating passwords to helping establish a broader trust infrastructure across people, devices, credentials, and AI agents. Together, Arielle and Megan unpack insights from the State of Passkeys research, the gap between passkey deployment and usage, and why agentic authentication may define the next decade of identity. The conversation also explores new research from HID and the FIDO Alliance on converged credentials, revealing how organizations are beginning to unify physical and digital identity into a single trust framework. This episode explores: •       Why reaching 5 billion passkeys marks a tipping point for passwordless authentication •            The gap between passkey deployment and real-world usage •            How AI is reshaping phishing, fraud, and digital trust •            Why identity must be built into AI systems from the beginning •            Agentic authentication and securing autonomous actions •            Converged credentials across physical and digital identity •            What identity leaders should prioritize for the future   Episode Highlights •            Insights from the State of Passkeys 2026 report •            The reality behind enterprise passwordless adoption •            The 57% challenge: why phishable authentication still persists •             AI-powered social engineering and emerging threats •            The launch of FIDO's Agentic Authentication Working Group •            What OpenAI's participation signals for the future of identity •            The emergence of trusted delegation and agent-initiated commerce •            New research on converged credentials and enterprise readiness •            Why identity is becoming the foundation of trust in the AI era   Chapter Guide (00:49) Welcome and introducing Megan Shamas, CMO of FIDO Alliance and co-researcher on the HID x FIDO report (02:05) Megan's background: from smart cards and EMV to passkeys — 23 years in market adoption (04:19) The Authentic Question: when did identity stop being a job and become a mission? (06:52) Unsolved identity challenges: remote IDV, deepfakes, digital wallets and global interoperability (10:51) What a successful passkey deployment actually looks like — consumer and workforce sides (17:32) The 93%/13% gap: why organizations aren't deploying passkeys at scale (21:06) The real blocker isn't technical — it's employee communication and change management (23:15) AI enters the conversation: from phishing acceleration to agentic AI (25:22) Why Megan doesn't care about "agent identity" — and what she cares about instead (27:15) Agentic commerce scenarios: consent, auditability, and the need for standardization (29:17) FIDO's response: spec contributions from Google and Mastercard, and OpenAI joining the Alliance (34:24) Diving into the HID x FIDO research: converged credentials and the confidence paradox (41:16) Public sector lagging behind: fragmentation and lack of national oversight (42:33) Lightning Round: passkeys, AI agents, passwordless, and a Diet Coke fridge (48:35) Wrap-up: three key takeaways and how to access the report   Featured Guests Megan Shamas — Chief Marketing Officer, FIDO Alliance Host: Arielle Slama —  Director of Product Marketing, HID   Transcript & FAQs What are passkeys? Passkeys are phishing-resistant credentials that replace passwords with cryptographic authentication tied to a user's device. They offer a simpler user experience while significantly improving security. Why are organizations still using passwords if passkeys are available? Many organizations have deployed passkeys but continue to support legacy authentication methods for compatibility, operational, and user adoption reasons. Completing the transition often requires organizational change in addition to technology deployment. What is agentic authentication? Agentic authentication focuses on verifying AI agents, user intent, and delegated actions. It establishes trust when autonomous systems act on behalf of individuals or organizations. Why is AI creating new identity challenges? AI enables highly convincing phishing, impersonation, and automated attacks at an unprecedented scale. At the same time, AI agents require new models for authentication, authorization, accountability, and trust. What are converged credentials? Converged credentials combine physical and digital identity into a unified credential that can be used for building access, device authentication, application access, and other trust-based interactions. Why is converged identity becoming important? Organizations increasingly need consistent identity experiences across physical security and cybersecurity environments. Converged credentials reduce friction, improve security, and support modern workforce experiences. What does the future of digital identity look like? The future of identity extends beyond authenticating people. It includes trusted interactions among humans, devices, digital credentials, AI agents, and autonomous systems operating across physical and digital environments.    Related Resources State of Passkeys 2026 Report FIDO Alliance Research Report x HID Follow HID IAM on LinkedIn - Stay up to date on the latest in digital identity, authentication, and enterprise security Recommend a Topic for a Future Episode If you have an idea for a topic, whether it's about IAM, passwordless authentication, Zero Trust security, passkeys or enterprise authentication in general, we'd love to hear from you. Suggest a topic About the Podcast Authentic Talks is designed to be a raw, unfiltered space where identity professionals — from analysts to CISOs — speak candidly about their journeys, challenges and breakthroughs. This isn't polished marketing. It's real talk about what's working, what's broken and what's next. Hosted By Arielle Slama Director of Product Marketing Rich Gibsen Director of Strategic Alliances   Subscribe on Your Favorite Platform Libsyn    Amazon    Apple    Spotify    Follow Us on Social Media LinkedIn

    50 min

  2. Apr 15

    New Tech, Old Problems: The Reality of Modern Identity & Authentication

    How do you secure a world where humans, machines, and autonomous agents all need an identity? In Episode 5 of Authentic Talks, our host Arielle Slama sits down with Simon Moffatt, analyst, advisor, and author, to unpack the biggest identity and cybersecurity themes emerging from the RSA Conference, which Simon attended just a few weeks earlier. Drawing on firsthand insights from the event floor, Simon separates real identity trends from vendor hype, explaining what actually matters for modern IAM and authentication strategy. With over 25 years in identity, Simon brings a pragmatic, deeply strategic perspective on what identity really looks like in 2026, plus where it's heading. This episode explores the realities that few people say out loud: AI is rewriting the identity threat model faster than enterprises can adapt Passwordless adoption is a cultural challenge, not a technology challenge Identity has moved from "infrastructure plumbing" to the center of business agility A well-defined IAMS strategy sets clear priorities for what IT teams should initiate in the next quarter to keep pace with industry requirements   Chapter Guide (0:19) Welcome & introducing Simon Moffatt (2:50) Trends at RSA: AI and the reality behind the buzz (5:02) Zero Trust maturity, legacy systems & the limits of organizational change (7:49) Adoption gaps: why passkeys aren't rolling out fast (10:50) The timeline mismatch between attacks and adoption (13:07) Tactics vs strategic roadmaps (16:14) Identity convergence: physical + digital worlds collide (17:18) Identity as a business enabler, not a security checkbox (19:20) The Three‑Body Problem: humans, machines, and AI agents (23:16) Securing unpredictable agents: behavior, scale, and life cycle (31:45) The human problem: emotion, phishing, and psychological attacks (36:00) IAM in 2035: identity, data, attribution & intent (41:46) Lightning Round (45:21) Final advice: identity must become strategic   Featured Guests Simon Moffatt — Analyst, Founder of Cyber Hut, Author Host: Arielle Slama —  Director of Product Marketing, HID Related Resources Download HID's Unified Identity Guide Follow HID IAM on LinkedIn - Stay up to date on the latest in digital identity, authentication, and enterprise security.

    48 min

  3. Mar 6

    Authentic Women on Security: Bridging Physical Access & Digital Identity

    What does it take to shape identity systems in a world where physical access and digital authentication are converging faster than ever? In Episode 4 of Authentic Talks, host Arielle Slama sits down with two influential voices in identity and security: Natacha Torres, Marketing Lead for HID's Physical Access Control Solutions business, and Elizabeth Garber, Digital Trust Leader and advisor to global identity nonprofits. Together, they explore human decisions, leadership moments and structural shifts defining the future of identity. The conversation moves beyond architecture and into the lived experience of building systems that determine who gets access—physically and digitally. It is as much about clarity, courage, and representation as it is about trust. Episode Highlights       Women shaping the future of identity and security        The convergence of physical access control and digital identity        Leadership through vulnerability and courage        Why representation in standards bodies impacts global security        Tenacity as a defining trait for women in cybersecurity        Building inclusive pipelines for the next generation of identity leaders       Trust as the foundation of secure systems The conversation highlights several themes shaping the identity landscape today. The convergence of physical and digital access Access control is no longer only about doors and badges. It is a combined ecosystem involving authentication flows, user experience, risk management, and trust. Natacha enters these conversations by grounding complex technical topics through clarity and fundamentals. She often emphasizes that leadership sometimes means "refocusing on what actually matters," especially when identity ecosystems become increasingly layered. Identity technology is inherently political Elizabeth explains that decisions made in identity systems—attributes, authentication requirements, verification flows—directly determine inclusion and exclusion. As she puts it, identity technology "shapes who has access and how rights show up in real life." Her work in global standards bodies underscores how much representation matters in these spaces. Representation strengthens outcomes Diverse teams reduce blind spots, improve system design, and expand perspectives on risk and user experience. Both guests highlight that representation is not only important socially—it is a security imperative. Leadership requires vulnerability and courage Both Natacha and Elizabeth have navigated environments where they were the only woman in the room. Their stories show how authenticity, clear communication, and tenacity enable them to lead effectively in technical and standards‑driven discussions. The next generation requires intentional support The future of identity depends on a diverse, global, and well-supported talent pipeline. Both guests call for mentorship, community, visibility, and more accessible pathways into identity roles. Representation and leadership in identity Identity and security remain fields where women are still underrepresented, especially in engineering and standards development. Both guests have experienced this firsthand. Natacha spoke about entering the physical access industry with deep marketing and technology experience but limited exposure to the inner mechanics of access control. Instead of letting that limit her impact, she leveraged her strength in clarity and simplification—skills especially valuable as identity systems become more interconnected, and user expectations rise. Her approach reinforces that identity leadership is not defined solely by technical depth, but by the ability to connect technology to human needs. Elizabeth shared her experience joining global standards meetings early in her identity career and often being the only woman present. These rooms shape how systems will interoperate around the world, yet they often lack the diversity needed to represent all populations. Her work with nonprofit organizations aims to widen participation and invite more practitioners into the ecosystem. Both leaders highlight the importance of:        authenticity, even when navigating unfamiliar spaces        communication that bridges highly technical and highly human domains        recognizing where fresh perspectives can add clarity        building confidence and visibility for emerging professionals Building the next generation of identity professionals Demand for identity expertise is growing across industries, yet the field is not always accessible to new entrants. Both guests emphasized that the industry needs:        stronger global representation, especially from regions often underrepresented in standards work        more early‑career exposure to identity concepts        mentorship programs that guide professionals into the field        community structures that help practitioners find their voice        cross‑disciplinary pathways into identity roles  Elizabeth's work with organizations like IDPro and Women in Identity   reflects this vision. Scholarship programs, volunteer opportunities, and professional networks are key to building a more inclusive global identity ecosystem.  Natacha reinforced that organizations must create environments where new professionals feel supported. As identity continues to evolve, diverse perspectives will be essential for guiding the industry forward. Trust as the anchor of modern identity Across every part of this conversation—technology, leadership, representation, and standards—trust emerged as the unifying theme. Identity systems protect access, safeguard sensitive information, and enable participation in digital life. That responsibility requires both technological rigor and human leadership. The people shaping identity today influence how secure, inclusive, and fair future systems will be. This episode highlights how women in identity are helping steer that future with purpose, clarity, and tenacity. Chapter guide (00:48) Welcome to Episode 4, and celebrating women shaping identity (01:33) Setting the stage: trust, convergence, and why women's voices matter (05:54) The truth women in identity need to say out loud (09:19) Natacha's journey into physical access control and finding her voice (16:17) Elizabeth's path into digital identity, standards, and nonprofit leadership (26:00) Representation, leadership, and being the only woman in the room (33:31) Why identity technology is inherently political (37:26) Building the next generation: diversity, standards, and talent (45:22) Mentors, leadership habits, and superpowers (53:01) Final reflections on trust and tenacity Related resources ·       Download the Passkey Playbook ·       Learn about passkeys and passwordless authentication ·       Explore the FIDO2 ROI Calculator ·       Read the Crescendo Cards case study ·       Follow HID Global Identity & Access Management Solutions on LinkedIn

    52 min

  4. Jan 29

    Identity at Scale: Authentication Consistency, IAM Modernization & AI Agents

    In Episode 3 of Authentic Talks, we dive deep into the future of identity architecture, from consistent authentication and Zero Trust principles to the rise of AI agent identities that will reshape modern IAM at enterprise scale. Our guest, Jeff Hickman, Head of Customer Engineering at Ory, joins hosts Arielle Slama and Rich Gibson for a fast-moving, deeply practical conversation about building consistent authentication experiences, modernizing legacy IAM, and preparing for a world where human and non-human identities both operate at massive scale. With 15+ years of experience in enterprise identity, cybersecurity, and software engineering for the Fortune 500, Jeff explains how organizations can modernize legacy IAM systems, deliver consumer-grade employee experiences, enforce least privilege, and build the groundwork needed for auditable AI identity systems. Whether you're responsible for identity architecture, Zero Trust programs, IAM modernization, or digital trust strategy — this episode will reshape how you think about scale, governance, and the future of authentication. Chapter Guide (01:05) Welcome & today's topic: scaling trust in identity (03:01) Jeff's "authentic question": what scaling trust means in one sentence (04:10) Why inconsistent authentication breaks user trust (06:08) How device-to-device experience gaps open the door to phishing (07:57) Modernizing IAM without compromising experience (09:49) Employees vs. consumers: why the standards should match (11:03) Navigating convenience, security and real-world user environments (12:30) When modernization meets legacy systems: scale challenges (14:01) The logistics of MFA, tokens, provisioning and authenticator rollout (18:39) The signals that it's time to scale your identity program (19:06) AI as a major inflection point for identity architecture (21:52) Agentic identities: trusted coworker vs. first-class customer (23:03) What a healthy agent lifecycle requires (27:54) The economics of trust: short-lived, verifiable, cheap-to-validate access (29:01) The big question: does AI reduce workload or move it? (30:26) The observability crisis in AI-driven authentication (33:34) Compliance readiness—why most organizations aren't prepared (34:36) The 5 foundational steps for scaling trust with AI agents (41:47) Lightning round: culture, inflection points, and identity myths Featured Guests Jeff Hickman – Head of Customer Engineering, Ory Arielle Slama – Director of Product Marketing, HID Rich Gibson – Director of Strategic Alliances, HID Related Resources ·      Download the Passkey Playbook -  Learn how to choose, deploy, and scale passkeys effectively—with ROI insights backed by the FIDO Alliance. ·      Unlock Unified Enterprise Identity –  Discover how ORY and HID deliver unified physical and digital access with FIDO2 security and enterprise-scale capabilities. ·      Follow HID Global IAM on LinkedIn - Stay up to date on the latest in digital identity, authentication, and enterprise security.

    44 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    Identity in 2026: Passkeys, AI & Preemptive Security

    What will identity and access management really look like in 2026? In Episode 2 of Authentic Talks, we explore how identity is evolving from a one-time login control into a continuous trust engine—shaping security decisions across digital and physical environments. Our guest, Brent Vernon, Senior Director of Technology & Product Management at HID Global, joins hosts Arielle Slama and Rich Gibsen for a candid conversation on convergence, passkeys at scale, AI-driven security decisions, and what enterprises are still getting wrong. This episode moves beyond hype to focus on execution: why passkeys work but adoption stalls, how user empathy and operational confidence determine success, and where AI is starting to deliver real value in identity and access management. If you're responsible for trust, identity, or enterprise security, this episode will challenge how you think about access, risk, and decision-making in a constantly changing threat landscape. Chapter Guide (1:41) Welcome to 2026 & looking back at 2025 (3:13) Brent's bold predictions for IAM in 2026 (6:15) What enterprises underestimate in authentication and IAM (8:52) Why deployment and user empathy make or break adoption (12:29) The overlooked role of digital identity validation (IDV) (16:18) Did AI deliver real value in IAM in 2025? (21:02) Key takeaways from Gartner IAM Summit (24:29) Why "log in once, trust all day" is over (27:28) What must happen for passkeys to scale in 2026 (32:04) Preemptive cybersecurity and identity as a live risk signal (37:04) Lightning round: bold takes, wrong predictions, and advice for CISOs Featured Guests Brent Vernon – Senior Director of Technology & Product Management, HID Global Arielle Slama – Director of Product Marketing, HID Rich Gibsen – Director of Strategic Alliances, HID Related Resources Download the Passkey Playbook - Learn how to choose, deploy, and scale passkeys effectively—with ROI insights backed by the FIDO Alliance. Follow HID Global IAM on LinkedIn - Stay up to date on the latest in digital identity, authentication, and enterprise security.   #IdentityManagement #Passkeys #Authentication #Cybersecurity #IAM #DigitalIdentity #EnterpriseSecurity #AIinSecurity #HIDGlobal #AccessControl #PreemptiveSecurity #ConvergedAuthentication

    41 min

  6. 12/05/2025

    Authentic Talks: Episode 01 - AI and Enterprise Security: Best Friend or Worst Enemy?

    Is Artificial Intelligence the ultimate business partner or a hidden risk for enterprises?   In Episode 1 of Authentic Talks, we explore the impact of AI on enterprise security, governance, and trust. Learn how AI can drive innovation and efficiency—and why uncontrolled deployment poses serious risks. Our guest, Mark Dallmeier, cybersecurity veteran and author of Opportunity Seized, Squandered, Lost: An AI Business Parable, shares expert insights on: AI governance frameworks Risk management strategies Building trust in digital identity and authentication Tune in for practical strategies and thought-provoking perspectives to help your organization stay intentional in the age of AI. Jump into the conversation with our hosts Arielle Slama and Rich Gibsen:   (1:43) Introducing Mark Dallmeier (3:30) Trust in the Age of AI (6:06) Understanding the Opportunities of AI (7:29) The Biggest Concern in AI Adoption Every Company Should Consider (9:28) Best Practice: The Governance Model of AI (13:56) Resistance to Change and Technology Numbness (17:23) Four Reasons Why IT Projects Fail (22:04) The Adoption Curve of AI and Related Side Effects (28:47) The New Mindset in the Age of AI (33:27) Mark's Advice to His Younger Self: Core Values vs. Disruptive Technologies (36:35) Mark's First Identity Tool (37:24) Mark's Biggest Win During His Career in the Security Field (39:02) Mark's First Experience with AI   -------------------------------   Arielle Slama, Director of Product Marketing, HID Rich Gibsen, Director of Strategic Alliances, HID Mark Dallmeier, Chief Revenue Officer, Envoy Data

    43 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

Authentic Talks is designed to be a raw, unfiltered space where identity professionals — from analysts to CISOs — speak candidly about their journeys, challenges, and breakthroughs. This isn't polished marketing. It's real talk about what's working, what's broken, and what's next.

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