Session: Leveling the Playing Field: How SMBs Can Win at Identity Security
Cybercriminals don’t discriminate by company size—yet small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are often the most lucrative targets because attackers know identity controls are weaker, fragmented, or non-existent. While enterprises invest heavily in Zero Trust and advanced IAM programs, SMBs are left struggling with password fatigue, SaaS sprawl, and an over-reliance on perimeter defenses.
This session will uncover the top identity-related threats hitting the industry today—from compromised credentials fueling ransomware to shadow IT creating invisible risk. We’ll break down how attackers exploit identity as the “easy button” for breach, and why traditional patchwork security fails.
With real-world examples and practical takeaways, this talk equips security leaders, IT managers, and practitioners with a strategy to turn identity from their weakest link into their strongest defense.
Bio
Dhivya Balasubramanian:
Dhivya Balasubramanian is IAM Manager at Southwest Airlines with nearly 20 years in technology and a decade in cybersecurity leadership. She specializes in identity and access management, Zero Trust, and digital identity protection, delivering enterprise-scale solutions that secure sensitive data. A strong advocate for diversity in tech, Dhivya champions inclusive practices while advancing security innovation.
Amie Dsouza:
Amie is a seasoned cybersecurity leader with over 20 years of global experience spanning six countries and multiple industries, including aviation, consulting, utilities, and the nonprofit sector. Passionate about advancing the field, Amie brings a deep understanding of security strategy, regulatory challenges, and identity-centric defense.