Navigating the new era of identity and Al governance

As AI agents reshape enterprise operations, Okta's Mathew Graham explains why identity, governance, and digital trust now define the new frontier of cybersecurity leadership.

- By Punam S

Identity is increasingly seen as the new perimeter, says Mathew Graham, Senior Director and Regional Chief Security Officer, APAC, Okta, reflecting on the seismic shifts redefining cybersecurity in the age of artificial intelligence.

As Al agents begin to act on behalf of humans, the question of who or what is accessing enterprise systems has become central to boardroom strategy.

As Al agents assume more human-like responsibilities across industries, governing their digital identities has become a strategic priority. Graham discusses the evolving cybersecurity landscape, the implications of agentic AI, third-party risks, and why independent identity remains essential in a hyperscaler-dominated world.

You were recently appointed as the Senior Director and Regional Chief Security Officer for Okta in APAC. What led you to join Okta, and what does your role involve?

The reason I chose Okta is because the cybersecurity landscape is evolving faster than ever. While the field has always been dynamic, the last few years, especially the last year, have brought a fundamental shift. Identity is now at the centre of this change, and Okta plays a key role as a neutral identity provider.

As organisations adopt Al agents that act on behalf of humans, whether in healthcare, government, or the private sector, managing their identities securely becomes critical. I previously worked at Workday, one of Okta's HR software partners, and the transition made sense because it placed me at the core of secure digital identity in the age of AI. At Okta, I lead the regional security strategy, engaging with customers, regulators, and industry stakeholders. We focus on cybersecurity legislation, customer collaboration, and shaping best practices across the region. I act on behalf of our Global Chief Security Officer, David Bradbury, to align APAC efforts with our global security vision.