Identity-First Security: The Future of Access Control in Cloud Environments

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About the Session

As cloud adoption accelerates and hybrid architectures dominate, identity has officially replaced the traditional network perimeter. Yet while many organizations have successfully adopted identity federation and multi-factor authentication, few have fully addressed the next—and far more dangerous—challenge: privilege escalation.

In this exclusive masterclass, renowned cybersecurity leader and author Dr. Derek A. Smith (C/CISO) walks you through the critical architectural shifts shaping today’s access control strategies. Drawing from his experience as a federal program director and security architect, Dr. Smith explains:

Why identity-first security has become the foundation of modern cloud security models
How SaaS, multi-cloud, and machine identities are breaking traditional access control frameworks
The evolving role of privileged access management (PAM) inside identity-first architectures
How Zero Trust principles require continuous privilege verification—long after authentication occurs
Why unified identity governance (IGA + IDaaS + PAM) is quickly becoming the future model
How organizations must adapt PAM to govern human and non-human privilege across cloud environments
Attendees will leave with actionable frameworks to modernize their access control strategies—and a roadmap to align identity, privilege, and Zero Trust principles in real-world environments.

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Meet the Speakers

Derek A. Smith

Founder, National Cybersecurity Education Center

Derek A. Smith is an expert at cybersecurity, cyber forensics, healthcare IT, SCADA security, physical security, investigations, organizational leadership and training. He is currently an IT Supervisor at the Internal Revenue Service. He is also owner of The Intercessors Investigative and Training Group (www.theintercessorgroup.com). Formerly, Derek worked for several IT companies including Computer Sciences Corporation and Booz Allen Hamilton. Derek spent 18 years as a special agent for various government agencies and the military. He is also a cyber security professor at the University of Maryland, University College and Virginia University of Science and Technology and has taught for over 25 years. Derek is retired from the US Army and also served in the US Navy, and Air Force for a total of 24 years. He is completing his Doctorate Degree in Organizational Leadership and has completed an MBA, MS in IT Information Assurance, Masters in IT Project Management, and a BS in Education. Derek has written several books including Cybersense: The Leaders Guide to Protecting Critical Information, and its companion workbook, and he has contributed to several other books as an author and technical adviser.

David Faulk

Sr Solutions Architect, BeyondTrust

David Faulk is a Sr. Solutions Architect at BeyondTrust with almost three years at the company. David started in Open Source software before moving into Cybersecurity. He enjoys Muay Thai, lifting weights, and Drones.