At the European Identity and Cloud Conference (EIC) 2024, Patrick Parker, the CEO and co-founder of EmpowerID, shared his visionary insights on the future of identity and access management (IAM).
In this compelling interview with KuppingerCole, Parker discussed the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) on IAM, highlighting how AI is set to revolutionize the industry and reshape the way we approach identity governance and administration.
Patrick Parker boldly stated, "The AI LLM revolution will redesign software and even society entirely. In my whole career, I haven't seen anything as big as this." Parker's statement underscores the profound impact AI is set to have on IAM. Unlike any previous technological advancement, AI and LLMs are poised to overhaul how we interact with software’s as a whole, not just identity.
From Static to Conversational User Interfaces
One of the most significant shifts Parker highlighted is the move from static user interfaces to conversational ones. "The user interface will be a conversational user interface. Instead of static interfaces, you'll interact through a chat interface," he explained. This change means that instead of clicking buttons and navigating through complex menus, users will be able to accomplish tasks by simply conversing with AI-driven systems. Which is a move we’ve seen a lot of organizations push towards since the release of OpenAI for Business, there has been a push for AI assistants for accomplishing tasks beyond just customer support.
The Rise of Autonomous Agents
Patrick emphasized the role of LLMs as autonomous agents, capable of planning and executing tasks based on user queries. "You will be providing tools to the LLM agent. The user will query to ask it to accomplish a task, and it will plan which of those tools to use, in which sequence, to accomplish a task," he described. This deconstruction of traditional software into tool-based capabilities will revolutionize IAM processes like onboarding, risk assessment, and access recertification.
Implications for Business Operations and Security
The integration of AI into IAM is set to level the playing field between small startups and large corporations. "Small startups will have the same impact and power as large global corporations, completely tilting the landscape," Parker noted. However, this shift brings new security challenges. Organizations will need to implement fine-grained, dynamic authorization to control access to tools and data in this new, fluid environment.
Policy as Natural Language (PaNL): The Future of Authorization
Imagine a world where business users can define and update authorization policies using everyday language, without needing to rely on developers. This is the revolutionary potential of Policy as Natural Language (PaNL). By leveraging the advanced capabilities of Large Language Models (LLMs), PaNL transforms the way we handle authorization, making it more intuitive, transparent, and agile.
"Verifiable credentials in the wallet will drive the adoption of non-human entities, enabling digital twins and autonomous agents to perform actions," Parker explained. With PaNL, administrators can create and modify policies in a conversational manner, enabling faster and more accurate policy management. This breakthrough not only enhances security and compliance but also empowers organizations to respond swiftly to changing business needs, paving the way for a more dynamic and secure future in identity governance.
Governance and Oversight: A New Necessity
As AI becomes more integrated into enterprise systems, proper governance and oversight are crucial. "Instead of having shadow AI, you're going to have to provide a channel for properly governed enterprise AI," Parker advised. Establishing enterprise AI facilities with oversight on data usage and model training is essential to prevent unauthorized use and ensure compliance.
Looking ahead, Parker envisions a future where "whole departments where 80% of the workforce are non-human agents, and 20% are humans driving the process." This dramatic shift in workforce composition underscores the need for organizations to adapt quickly to AI-driven environments. The ability to harness the power of AI will become a competitive differentiator in the years to come.
Conclusion
Patrick's insights at EIC 2024 really excites us towards the transformative potential of AI and LLMs in identity and access management. The shift towards conversational user interfaces, autonomous agents, and a new workforce composition heralds a new era for IAM. The future of identity is bright, and those who leverage AI effectively will lead the way in this exciting new frontier.
