The SINET Identity Working Group has released “The SINET Risk Executive Handbook on Identity: Managing Identity in the Age of AI,” a guide designed to address critical identity security challenges as organizations adopt AI and navigate complex digital environments. The handbook provides practical guidance for security executives and practitioners.
The working group, led by Jim Alkove, CEO and Co-Founder of Oleria, includes Fortune 500 CISOs and security executives. Jim Alkove stated that current identity architectures were not designed for today’s scale and complexity, and the rise of agentic AI will further strain conventional approaches. He emphasized that the guide introduces a unified identity architecture necessary to transition from reactive, fragmented identity management to autonomous, AI-enabled security.
The guide responds to an industry crisis where 80% of breaches originate from compromised identities, with identity-based attacks increasing 77% year-over-year. Organizations face challenges managing fragmented systems across on-premise, cloud, and SaaS environments, leading to security vulnerabilities. The handbook aims to transform enterprise identity management for strategic growth by introducing a unified identity and access system architecture, breaking down data silos, establishing a single source of truth across all identity environments, and featuring a detailed identity maturity model. It also addresses unique challenges in AI agent identity management and highlights the urgency for organizations to prepare for the exponential growth of AI agents across business operations.
Robert Rodriguez, Chairman and Founder of SINET and Venture Partner at SYN Ventures, commented that identity is foundational for safeguarding people, organizations, and national critical infrastructure. He noted that many organizations use outdated systems incapable of keeping pace with current cybersecurity threats. Rodriguez stated that the framework provides security leaders with the strategic vision and tactical guidance needed to build resilient identity programs that enable business innovation.
Carey Frey, Chief Security Officer at TELUS, remarked on the practitioner-led approach of the work, emphasizing its practical, vetted guidance from security leaders managing complex identity environments. The guide offers practical assessment tools and a maturity model to help organizations systematically advance from fragmented, reactive identity management to unified, autonomous security operations. The complete guide is available for download on the SINET website.
SINET focuses on advancing innovation to counter global cybersecurity threats by connecting CISOs, risk executives, and investors with early-stage and emerging cybersecurity companies. SINET aims to foster dialogue and build relationships to contribute to a more secure and resilient digital future.
