About
The Identity Underground

Who We Are

The Identity Underground is an exclusive, tight-knit community of CXOs and technology practitioners focused on advancing innovation in identity security.

It brings together a global network of leaders shaping real-world identity strategies to exchange candid insights, collaborate on emerging challenges, and stay ahead of an evolving security landscape.

Through trusted peer connections and forward-looking discussions, the community creates a space for meaningful dialogue and practical knowledge sharing.

Our Mission

Our mission is to take identity security where it’s never gone before. We aspire to transform our collective security programs into an identity first approach to solve the most complex security challenges existing today.

Our Goal

Our goal is to unite cybersecurity executives and practitioners in an exclusive network driven by a shared understanding: identity is the new endpoint, and together we’ll take a journey— developing identity-first security strategies that secure all users, resources and environments.

Through Mentorship and Collaboration

Through mentorship and collaboration, we foster a culture where members both give and receive knowledge, sharing insights and strategies along the way.

Beyond the Present

Our mission extends beyond the present, focusing on the legacy we leave behind, shaping the future landscape of cybersecurity leadership for generations to come.

Member Benefits

Technology Executives

CIO, CISO, BISO, CTO, VP, Director (IAM, Engineering, Architecture, etc.) at mid to large enterprises.

Gain access

Gain access to a peer group of CXOs and investment firms who prioritize identity security.

Discover Innovations

Discover the latest security innovations and powerful insights from industry experts.

Discuss the Future

Discuss the future of identity security with CEOs and founders in a non-sales environment.

Open Discussions

Shape your own identity-first strategies by hearing from notable CXOs and participating in open discussions.

Case Studies

Deep dive into case studies that focus on both successes and failures – learn about best practices and lessons learned.

Mentorship Opportunity

Opportunity to become an executive mentor to the future leaders in cybersecurity.

Member Benefits

Technology Practitioners

IAM Architect, Enterprise Architect, Security Architect, IAM Engineer, Enterprise Engineer, Systems Engineer, IAM Manager, etc.

Peer Network

Build a peer network of leading technology practitioners who share your focus on identity security.

Discover Innovations

Hear from the experts who are building and maintaining the latest innovations.

Collaboration

Anonymously submit your challenges and have the group collaborate to solve them.

Open Discussions

Enhance your identity security expertise with open discussion opportunities.

Mentorship Opportunity

1:1 mentorship opportunity from cybersecurity and technology executives.

Commitment

Membership in The Identity Underground comes with no financial obligation. We believe the true value of a strong network lies in the diversity of its members, so we encourage members to nominate colleagues from their teams and across the industry to join us.

"In 2023, 64% of cyber incidents were identity-based, more than double the number from 2022. This issue won't be resolved with increased compliance or additional tools alone. I joined The Identity Underground to be part of a cross-domain community that focuses on strategies and effective techniques to understand what others are doing to improve my organization’s identity security efforts, and provide the lessons learned from my own experience."
Nathan Singleton

Nathan Singleton

Chief Information Security Officer, University of Tulsa

Advisory Committee Members

This exceptional group of leaders continue to push forward the importance of identity security.

Amit
Basu
CIO & CISO

International Seaways

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Grant
Bourzikas
Chief Security Officer

Cloudflare

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Bernard
Diwakar
Director – Data Security, Access, and Privacy

Intuit

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Jeff
Farinich
CISO

New American Funding

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Greg
Handrick
Director- Identity, Directory, Access Management (IAM)

Best Buy

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Chintan
Jain
Head of Customer Platform Security

Hilton

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Tannu
Jiwnani
Principal Security Engineer

Microsoft

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Sunnykumar
Kamani
Lead Software Developer

Caterpillar

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Rusty
Kennington
CIO

Denali Water Solutions

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Anu
Kothandaraman
Director: Identity and Access Management

United Airlines

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Aaron
Muñoz
CISO

Texas Christian University

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Sean
O’Dell
Distinguished Engineer - Identity & Security

CVS Health

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Ken
Piddington
CIO and CDO

RelaDyne

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Vimal
Rajasekaran
Head of Information Security

PROS

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Krishna Mohan
Raju Yenugudati
Associate Director

Verizon

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Steve Rennick
Steven
Rennick
Senior Leader, IT Architecture

Ciena

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Mike
Reterstorf
CISO

Plante Moran

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Bradley
Schaufenbuel
CISO

Paychex

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Susanne
Senoff
CISO

Conga

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Sanjay
Shringarpure
CIO

Freeman Company

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Kevin
Steele
CIO

Feeding America

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Aidan
Turner
Head of Security Engineering & Platforms

Downer EDI Ltd

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Malhar
Vora
Identity & Access Management

ANZ

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Rebekah
Wilke
BISO

Jack Henry & Associates

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Buzz
Woeckener
Former Director of Identity Security

Nationwide

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn
Simon
Woods
CIO

Reliance Worldwide Corporation

 — LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn

The Identity Underground

An exclusive network driving the future of identity security