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Keyfactor’s Chris Hickman talks about protecting emerging AI identities with PKI and visibility
Tony Morbin (@tonymorbin) •
March 16, 2026
Artificial intelligence has created a new category of digital identity. AI agents can operate autonomously, interacting with systems, data, and applications across enterprise environments. Chris Hickman, chief security officer at Keyfactor, says as AI increases automation, organizations need to ensure these identities remain trusted and controlled.
See also: AI agents rewrite risk for SOC teams
“AI identity is neither a human nor a machine. It’s software that acts in the shoes of both of those entities. The way we see it… it’s all based on good cryptographic practices to begin with,” Hickman said.
Established cryptographic frameworks can help organizations authenticate and authorize AI systems while protecting sensitive data, he said. Rather than building entirely new identity controls for AI systems, enterprises should rely on proven security models such as public key infrastructure and certificate-based authentication.
In a video interview with Information Security Media Group at the Gartner Identity and Access Management Summit, Hickman also discussed:
- Visibility requirements for cryptographic infrastructure and regulatory compliance.
- Why automation becomes essential as TLS certificate lifecycles shrink to 47 days.
- Prepare your enterprise environment for post-quantum encryption migration.
Mr. Hickman is focused on advancing Keyfactor’s position in digital trust and cybersecurity and ensuring the company remains a leader in identity-first security solutions in the technological landscape of cryptographic infrastructure and digital certificates. He has extensive experience in smart card management systems, PKI design, and directory services.
