Identity Is The New Security Perimeter

Sometimes it feels like every new technology we adopt comes with
a new risk we didn’t see coming. From AI and data breaches to
phishing scams and ransomware, it's clear we live in a time when
cybersecurity isn’t just a tech issue, it’s a human issue.


In this episode, I talk with Jeff Reich, Executive Director of
the Identity Defined Security Alliance. Jeff has been in the
cybersecurity world since the early days, with decades of
experience helping organizations protect what matters most. His
passion for identity security and risk management runs deep, and
he brings a thoughtful perspective on how the industry has
changed and what we need to do to keep up.


We explore why identity is the real perimeter in today’s digital
world, how businesses and individuals can be proactive rather
than reactive, and what it really takes to build a security-first
mindset. Jeff also shares why communication is just as important
as tech when it comes to staying secure. Whether you're a
cybersecurity professional or just someone trying to stay safe
online, this conversation will leave you thinking differently
about the role identity plays in your digital life.
Show Notes:

[00:54] Jeff Reich is the Executive Director of the
Identity-Defined Security Alliance, a nonprofit focused on
raising the level of awareness of identity and identity security.

[01:52] Jeff began studying physics and astrophysics in
school. He even taught in a planetarium. He also went into law
enforcement.

[03:10] He went into security and was planning on working at
EDS, but he ended up at ARCO. He then moved to Dell computers and
a financial services company. He started the security program at
Rackspace and was also a research director at the University of
Texas, San Antonio.

[03:49] He is now enjoying the nonprofit space.

[04:43] Not becoming a victim of a scam comes down to
situational awareness. If you're receiving something from someone
you don't know, assume it's hostile.

[06:33] Jeff tells the story about when he was working at a
hosting company, and he noticed clusters of servers turning from
green to red and then back to green.

[07:42] It turned out scammers were taking over customers'
websites. It ended up being ransomware.

[16:03] Be very aware of fake invoices and spoofed emails and
scam phone calls.

[20:18] They recently had identity management day 2025. They
had a lot of presentations on what existential identity might
mean to a certain individual or corporation.

[21:57] People can protect themselves by using different
email accounts.

[24:34] Tips on protecting yourself when someone is
impersonating you.

[27:21] The future of identity should have big advances going
forward that will involve AI.

[31:40] Improved authenticator apps and DNA-based identity
are in our futures.

[36:22] Hackers are stealing credentials and logging into
companies not breaking in. 

[39:01] Our identity needs to be protected more than an
account number.

[40:01] Clean house and get separate accounts for important
things like banking.



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Jeff Reich - Identity Defined Security Alliance

Identity Defined Security Alliance

Jeff Reich - LinkedIn

Jeff@IDSAlliance.org