IAM Online Speaker Spotlight: Unlocking Strategies for Cybersecurity and Digital Trust with Dr. Donna Kidwell

Institutions are facing an escalating threat landscape, with ransomware and complex attacks becoming all too common. 

Bad actors are drawn to universities because we have rich information about the people on campus and are creating cutting edge knowledge, while at the same time we have many entry points and attack surfaces. The rapid use of AI by threat actors poses a significant challenge, as they leverage this technology faster and with more sophistication than we see within our campuses, creating a complex and dynamic threat landscape.

This is a critical time for us to step up and address these challenges. By rethinking our approach to cybersecurity and identity management, we have an opportunity to modernize and strengthen our technological infrastructure. By embracing digital transformation, we can protect our institutions and the people who depend on us while also serving the needs of lifelong learners in a way that’s fit for the future.

As a community, we recognize the importance of privacy by design, security by design, and zero-trust mindsets, but turning these into tangible actions can be challenging. I want to share the lessons learned during my time at ASU, providing practical steps and strategies that institutions can implement. It’s about offering a design perspective, a unique angle that you won’t find in standards guidelines or regulations. By sharing these insights, I hope to provide a roadmap for organizations to navigate the complex world of digital trust.

We have to be willing to think differently and more strategically about the work we’re doing. We face constant pressure on our resources and we struggle with priorities. There’s always so much to do, and it can be overwhelming, making it hard to even contemplate tackling something as complicated as cybersecurity. 

However, it’s crucial that we step out of our project-by-project mindset. Take a step back and ensure that each project contributes to aspirational goals. It’s a matter of perspective and keeping our eyes on the future we want to build.

I hope that attendees will walk away with a toolkit of 17 action items that they can immediately apply within their institutions. 

The playbook outlines two key workstreams: “Focus on the People” and “Engineering and Technology.” The first stream emphasizes the human element, with actions centered around governance, education, and engagement. It’s about fostering an inclusive workforce, redesigning processes, and bringing people together creatively. The second stream is about the technical aspects, exploring how we can architect trust through our networks, identities, and system designs. 

By providing these two perspectives, I aim to offer both strategic guidance and tangible tactics. Attendees will gain insights into convening cross-campus collaborations and understanding their unique risk landscape.