They will share their insights and experience at the 2024 Internet2 Community Exchange (CommEX), March 4 – 7, in Chicago. Their session, “From Authentication to Analytics” will be part of the identity and access management track at CommEX.
Here’s more from the pair on how attendees will benefit from their session and CommEX overall.
What prompted you to submit a session on this topic?
Wilcox: The work we are engaged in has presented a valuable opportunity to foster open communication within our department. Understanding each other’s progress and timelines has enabled us to identify new opportunities for collaboration. When our goals align, we don’t need to compete for resources; we have support for all our work. We hope sharing this will provide a little bit of encouragement to others dealing with the same challenges.
Why is your topic an important one to address?
Thompson: Identity is a key component of setting up the security around the data to be used in analytics. It’s paramount to begin with the end in mind and lay out a plan for how you get there.
Wilcox: While we often hear the refrain “don’t work in silos,” transitioning from silos to partnerships can be challenging to put into practice. Our presentation offers just one specific example (among many at other institutions) of a project that illustrates how this transition can be achieved and the ongoing benefits it brings to our teams. It’s crucial to consider how work in one area (authentication, in this case) impacts end users in an entirely different area (analytics). Connecting this entire lifecycle is pivotal for end user understanding and buy in.
What do you hope attendees will learn from your presentation?
Thompson: How to begin thinking about laying out the security for their data warehousing solutions to embrace identity roles and entitlements instead of individual assignments.
Wilcox: If attendees leave and think about the presentation even once after it’s over that’s great – what would be even better is if they took an idea back to their colleagues to discuss how they might better align their goals/work, so they don’t have to push ahead alone. IT is a team sport.
What do you enjoy most about speaking about IAM?
Thompson: IAM is a journey and not a destination. I continue to learn from what others have done and build on that knowledge for the future.
In your experience, how has attending Community Exchange been beneficial or helpful to you?
Wilcox: Community exchange is full of wonderful people, all more than willing to share their experiences and provide nuggets of insight I wouldn’t get anywhere else. I appreciate the community and expertise all gathered in one place.
Fun Facts about Heidi
Total Years at Grinell:
5 years
What She Likes Most About Her Job:
Finding solutions to access needs while also keeping security requirements in focus
Best Advice About IAM She Ever Received (& from whom):
Identity is the new perimeter! All the firewalls and hardware/software solutions can be thwarted if someone has the credentials to get through.
Fun Facts about Kaitlin
Total Years at Grinell:
10 years
What She Likes Most About Her Job:
I’m continually learning from my colleagues, who are not only incredibly intelligent but also a joy to work with.