Offensive Security (OffSec) authorized The Mako Group’s Michael Gibbons as an instructor for the PWK-200 course. 

Gibbons earned this prestigious achievement in May 2023 and is one of only a select few instructors in the country. 

“We are ecstatic for Michael and this achievement,” Director of Security Services Brandyn Fisher said, continuing, “Obtaining the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification is a difficult feat for many but to have a member of our team be one of the few in the country to understand the material well enough to teach a course is amazing and speaks to Michael’s deep understanding of concepts and practical knowledge.” 

Michael received his OSCP certification in January of 2021 after three months of dedicated study. 

Students must pass a 24 hour practical exam to be certified by OffSec as an OSCP. This exam consists of a realistic corporate network which students must hack their way through. Students have another 24 hours to write a comprehensive report of the simulated engagement. To pass, students must successfully exploit and elevate their privileges on a certain percentage of systems in the network, and their report must accurately detail their process. The OSCP exam report must meet quality standards which are similar to real penetration testing reporting standards.

“My practical experience performing cybersecurity research, and my university education in cyber operations, helped me get through the course content and pass the exam on my first attempt.” said Gibbons. The OSCP has an incredibly high failure rate, with most students failing at least once.

As an instructor, Gibbons will teach students the skills to be an effective penetration tester and pass the rigorous OSCP certification exam. He is excited to be teaching this content to help students succeed and build their careers in offensive security. 

“My success is a result of help I've received from more experienced professionals over the past five years,” said Gibbons. “I'd like to be able to provide guidance and mentorship to pay back that debt and promote a culture of mentorship in the field of cybersecurity.” 

Congratulations to David Lefever named 2022 Innovator of the Year by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Indiana Chapter. 

David joined the Indiana Chapter Board of Directors in January 2021 and was named Vice Chair in January 2022.

His visionary leadership and dedication to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has grown board membership, increased corporate supporters and boosted community engagement.

Unassuming and tireless in his philanthropic efforts, David is passionate about furthering the CF mission to cure the disease and lengthen lives of those living with it.

The Mako Group, LLC is featured in the 2017 Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in the US listing, making the top 25 Cybersecurity firms and 1725 company overall on the ranking! Thank you to all of our clients who trust in us to keep their most valuable company assets secure!

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Click here for the full list.

Click here for an article from TechPoint.

We're pleased to announce that Meredith Yonker, one of our Risk and Audit Managers, has been recognized by TechPoint as one of the 2017 Tech 25! This recognition honors those who are critical to growing the State of Indiana's tech industry. In addition to being star performers at their companies, winners are committed team players who build others up through mentoring, volunteering and positive example and are committed to contributing to the broader community. We couldn't think of a more perfect fit for this award. Please join us in congratulating Meredith on this well-deserved accomplishment!

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Click here for an article from TechPoint.

Click here for an article from Inside Indiana Business.

We were thrilled to celebrate the naming of David Lefever as one of the 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year Award finalists for the Ohio Valley region. It was an honor to be included amongst so many other successful entrepreneurs at this special event which was held in Cincinnati.

This awards program, which celebrated its 31st year, recognizes entrepreneurs who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. As of date, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 145 cities and more than 60 countries throughout the world.

Meredith Yonker, Audit and Risk Manager, served as an active member of The IIA’s Chapter Relations Committee for the last five years. As a District Representative, she supported Central Region District 3, made up of six local chapters: Indianapolis, Tri-State (Evansville), Louisville, Central Kentucky, Central Illinois and Springfield. In this volunteer role, she mentored the chapter leaders in her district and acted as a liaison between those chapters and the Lake Mary, Florida global headquarters. Additionally, she planned and facilitated an annual all-day workshop for incoming chapter leaders in her district to share ideas and successes and to become familiar with the tools and resources available to them. Her final term came to an end in April at The IIA’s annual leadership conference in Orlando, Florida, where Rob Kuling, North American Board Chairman, presented her with an award for her dedicated service (pictured to the right).

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Click here for an article from TechPoint.

EY has announced that David Lefever has been named a finalist for the Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 Award in the Ohio Valley region. This awards program, which is celebrating its 31st year, recognizes entrepreneurs who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

For more from the full press release, click here.

For the press release from EY, click here.

For an article from Inside Indiana Business, click here.

We're thrilled to announce that Stacey Strack, The Mako Group Senior Security and Controls Advisor, has been named by the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly as a winner of the 9th annual Forty under 40 Award. Stacey's dedication, hard work and determination is evident with this acknowledgment. Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved achievement!