With over a decade in cybersecurity, Evan Patterson shares actionable advice on staying safe in a hyperconnected world and what most people are still getting wrong.
Question 1:
Evan, thank you for joining us. Let’s start simple. What keeps you up at night in today’s cybersecurity landscape?
Evan Patterson:
Thanks for having me. Honestly, it’s how normal cyber threats have become. We’ve normalized data leaks, phishing scams, and even invasive surveillance. What keeps me up is knowing that many people still think antivirus software is enough in 2025. Meanwhile, mobile malware, social engineering, and stalkerware are evolving faster than most users and businesses can react.
Question 2:
You often talk about mobile surveillance and “invisible threats.” Can you explain what that means?
Evan:
Sure. Most people lock their front doors but leave their phones wide open. From rogue apps that track your location to spyware that silently reads your messages, mobile surveillance is quietly becoming the biggest privacy issue of our time. And it’s not just governments or hackers, sometimes it’s a jealous partner or even your employer.
Question 3:
Let’s talk about that. There has been growing controversy around apps used to monitor partners or employees. What’s your take?
Evan:
I always draw a hard ethical line: consent. If someone is being monitored without knowing it, that’s not security, it’s abuse. Unfortunately, there’s a grey market of apps that enable this kind of tracking, and it’s a legal minefield. Education is crucial here. Users need to understand their rights, and regulators need to catch up.
Question 4:
Where do you see the biggest gaps in awareness today?
Evan:
Three areas:
- People still underestimate mobile threats – they think phones are safer than laptops.
- Companies neglect internal surveillance risks – what happens when the threat is from someone with access?
- Overtrusting convenience – we trade privacy for apps without reading the fine print.
Question 5:
And what would you say to someone who wants to take control of their privacy today?
Evan:
Start with these three steps:
- Audit app permissions. If a weather app asks for microphone access, run!
- Use a VPN, especially on public Wi-Fi.
- Follow cybersecurity professionals who break down threats in plain English.
Question 6:
Any final thoughts?
Evan:
Cybersecurity isn’t just for techies anymore. It’s for parents, teens, freelancers, everyone. We need to stop treating it like an afterthought. Think of it like digital hygiene: it should be part of your daily routine.
Follow Evan Patterson for weekly insights on digital privacy, surveillance threats, and real-world cybersecurity tips: www.linkedin.com/in/evan-patterson-aba94930b
