About Mark Anthony Germanos

Looking for a cybersecurity trainer? Cybersecurity is an always advancing field. My firsthand experience running a business and being a computer guy allows me to provide learners with practical insights and real-world examples that help increase retention. I started delivering computer training in 1992. My classes go above and beyond the prescribed curriculum. Learners enjoy when I share firsthand experiences. They become more engaged. A trusted authority in cybersecurity, I deliver CompTIA Security+ training to learners throughout the world.

I have been in the computer business since 1992. Along the way, I have earned some certifications. These include:

EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker. Yes, I am a hacker BUT I am a good guy because I am an ethical hacker. “What does that mean?” you may say. Hiring an ethical hacker is like bringing in the fire department to find ways a fire may start in your office before a fire happens.

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert + Mobility. When I first became an MCSE in 1998, this was Microsoft’s highest networking certification. The MCSE helps me understand, deploy and support technologies that have a positive ROI and benefit your bottom line.

CompTIA PenTest+. This is my most advanced certification to date. Earners of the CompTIA PenTest+ certification have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform hands-on penetration testing to identify, exploit, report, and manage vulnerabilities on a network. CompTIA PenTest+ professionals have demonstrated the hands-on ability and knowledge to test devices in new environments such as the cloud and mobile, in addition to traditional desktops and servers.

I am an author. My fourth book, How Hacks Happen and how to protect yourself (https://howhackshappen.com) begins by showing how phishing attacks work and why they are so convincing. I then show how passwords are not as secure as you may think, how social media services monetize personal data you share and how hackers cover their tracks. One of my reviewers wrote “Mark does a great job of covering the current landscape of hacks and what you can do to try to protect yourself and your company.”

I also believe Benjamin Franklin’s “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies to security. You can invest to proactively protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of your data, network and reputation.

You can take the opposite approach and deny your vulnerabilities exist. If auditors catch you, they fine you for your negligence. If an evil hacker finds and exploits your business, you incur a crippling cost to recover. Your reputation is damaged beyond repair. This is your managerial decision. I do technology decisions. I refer this to your wisdom.

I live in Northern California. I’ve completed 29 triathlons and two marathons. I fly from SMF. I have a life, a wife and a dog.

What you want to know and are afraid to ask
Age: Born in 1967. Do the math.
Gender: Male.
Preference: Female. Shania Twain looks like my wife.
Marital status: Married 2001-.
Religion: Follow God.
Tithe: Yes, to an organization that helps young people learn to read and young adults finance college educations.
Politics: Yes, we can talk politics. I charge double-time for politics. Cash, check, MC and VISA all accepted.
Car: I drive a Honda. I’ll take reliability over sexiness any day.
Favorite color: Red