The Ultimate Guide to Non-Human Identities Report

NHI Workshop – Opening Remarks

Introduction and Welcome

Lalit Choda, founder of the Non-Human Identity Management Group, opens the session with enthusiasm, highlighting the significant interest in NHI topics. The workshop is well-attended, indicating a high level of industry concern and curiosity about non-human identities.

He extends gratitude to the NHIMG team and the Cyber Risk Alliance for hosting and supporting the event, as well as to over 20 industry experts, including practitioners and CISOs, who are sharing their insights. The goal is to explore challenges, risks, and management strategies related to NHI exposure.

Special thanks are given to the organizing team, emphasizing the months of planning that have culminated in this event.

Speaker Background

Lalit Choda, also known as “Mr. NHI,” has over 30 years of experience, primarily in investment banking. His previous nickname was “Mr. Socks,” reflecting a long-standing industry presence. His expertise includes regulatory programs, human controls, PAM, and managing large-scale NHI initiatives involving over 100,000 identities.

Recent contributions include publishing a groundbreaking report “The Ultimate Guide To Non-Human Identities” and founding the NHI Management Group, the group’s “goal is simple: it’s to educate and evangelize about NHI risks and help you on your journey in solving these problems.”

You can read the ‘The Ultimate Guide To Non-Human Identities’ from here

Workshop Goals and Expectations

The primary aim is to provide attendees with deep insights into NHI risks, including real-world examples and best practices. Participants are encouraged to understand their organization’s exposure and consider how to address these vulnerabilities.

The workshop is structured into two main parts:

  • First Part – Fundamentals of NHI, including definitions, risks, challenges, and the urgency of addressing them.
  • Second Part – Practical guidance on risk management, emerging topics like AI and NHI, stakeholder engagement, and market solutions.

Agenda Breakdown

First Half

  • Introduction to NHI: What they are and why they matter
  • Risks and challenges associated with NHI
  • The urgency of addressing NHI now
  • Real-life examples and demonstrations of NHI breaches

Break

  • 15-minute coffee break with refreshments available at the back

Second Half

  • Guidance on starting NHI risk mitigation
  • Discussion of maturity models and risk-based approaches
  • Exploration of AI’s role in NHI risks, especially Agentic AI
  • Panel discussion on convincing decision-makers to invest in NHI programs
  • Market landscape overview: solutions, trends, and industry outlook

Audience Engagement and Initial Polls

To gauge the audience’s familiarity and concern with NHI, three quick questions are posed:

  1. Concern about NHI risks – Approximately 50-60% are very concerned, indicating high awareness.
  2. Knowledge of resolving NHI risks – Only about 2 people (likely vendors) feel fully equipped, highlighting a knowledge gap.
  3. Active efforts to address NHI risks – Around 10-15% are currently working on mitigation, suggesting room for growth and increased focus.

This initial engagement sets the stage for the importance of the workshop and the need for practical solutions.