Rob San Martin, AVP Public Sector at Akamai Technologies

Rob San Martin, Assistant Vice President for Public Sector at Akamai Technologies, discusses the complexities of implementing zero trust solutions within the federal government, particularly focusing on identity management and edge computing. He highlights the challenges that agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD), face in adapting to evolving security landscapes. A significant focus is on the use of Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) systems as a critical "front door" to zero trust frameworks. San Martin also emphasizes the dynamic nature of edge computing and its impact on identity management, noting that the definition of "the edge" is continuously evolving, adding layers of complexity to securing information. Lastly, he identifies API security and network segmentation as crucial next steps after establishing strong identity management protocols.

Key Takeaways:

1. Managing identities in a constantly changing environment, especially with varying user roles and locations, is a significant challenge for federal agencies working towards zero trust.
   
   
2. Edge computing introduces additional complexity to zero trust strategies, as the definition of "the edge" can change depending on operational context and geographic location.
   
   
3. After securing identity management, agencies should focus on API security and network segmentation to further enhance their zero trust posture.