In this conversation, Evan Meyer and Alexander Rogan discuss the critical issues surrounding cybersecurity, particularly in government and public systems. Rogan shares his background and the innovative approach of his company, Abatis, which aims to prevent cyber attacks before they occur. They explore the challenges faced by government agencies in securing their systems, the financial implications of cybersecurity failures, and the role of AI in both facilitating and combating cyber threats. The discussion emphasizes the need for accountability in cybersecurity practices and the importance of integrating security into political platforms as technology continues to evolve.


00:00 – Why cybersecurity is really a trust issue
02:10 – Alexander Rogan’s background & Russia experience
04:30 – Notable government cyber breaches (SolarWinds)
06:40 – Why detection-based security fails
10:20 – CrowdStrike, Cloudflare & centralized risk
14:40 – Incentives inside the cybersecurity industry
18:30 – What happens when governments get hacked
22:00 – Nation-state attacks & critical infrastructure
26:00 – How AI accelerates cyber threats
31:00 – Why government systems can’t keep up
36:00 – Legacy systems, DMVs & public services
41:20 – Cybersecurity as a pillar of public trust
47:00 – Why prevention is politically uncomfortable
52:00 – Final reflections on trust & governance

keywords
cybersecurity, trust, government, AI, breaches, infrastructure, risk management, public safety, technology, digital systems

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About Evan Meyer

Tech entrepreneur and civic leader - he founded mygovtools.org, a platform to drive government efficiency, constituent representation, and civic engagement; BeautifyEarth.com, a platform accelerating urban beautification through art; and its sister nonprofit, transforming schools in underserved areas. He also co-founded RideAmigos.com, a platform that optimizes commuter travel globally. Previously, he served as District Director for the California State Senate and led many civic initiatives in Santa Monica. Through seminars and his podcast Meyerside Chats, Evan inspires civic engagement, innovation, and cultural growth.
He loves the outdoors, is a master of creative projects, is an avid muralist and musician, and finds the world fascinating in every regard.