Talk With an Expert

SANS Cyber Defense Initiative® 2025

  • Fri, Dec 12 - Wed, Dec 17, 2025
  • 43 Courses
  • 1 NetWars Tournament
  • English
Washington Hilton & Virtual (ET)
1919 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C. 20009
Washington, DC, Lake and Pink Trees

Cybersecurity Accelerated: Master a Year’s Skills in Just Six Days.

Elevate your cybersecurity skillset at SANS Cyber Defense Initiative® 2025! Dive into an exhilarating week of intensive, top-tier training designed to sharpen your skills, whether you're just starting out or advancing your expertise. Engage directly with leading minds in the field through hands-on labs and real-world techniques, and gain insights that only face-to-face interactions can offer.

Connect with SANS faculty, participate in expert-led talks, and networking events exclusively offered in-person, and join a community of peers who are just as passionate as you are. From networking events to community-building activities, you’ll enjoy all-access, in-person only benefits that foster memorable and lasting connections. 

Innovative Courses, Industry-Leading Instructors

Choose from over 30 courses tailored for every practitioner, from foundational skills to cutting-edge innovations, that dive deep into topics like:

  • Incident Response
  • Hacker Tools and Techniques
  • ICS/SCADA Security Essentials
  • Cyber Threat Intelligence
  • AI/Machine Learning

and many more!

Plus, enjoy bonus after-class extras like hands-on workshops, expert-led talks, and networking events that extend value far beyond the classroom.

Your evolution begins here. Join SANS and transform your future.

Please Note: Starting in September 2025, SEC488 will transition to a 5-Day course with a remote CTF.

Save $900 on any 4-6-day Course at CDI 2025

Join SANS in Washington, DC or virtually (ET) this December 12-17 and take $900 off the price of your training course when you register early. Stay ahead of the latest threats impacting your organization with up-to-the-minute techniques from the industry’s foremost expert instructors. Use code ‘CDI25_900’ at checkout.

Important Dates
Refund Deadline:
Hotel Group Discount Deadline:

Courses

Looking for Group Training? Contact Sales

Featured Speakers

Schedule

Workshops

Join hands-on sessions solving real-world security issues.

NetWars Tournaments

Hands-on competitions to test and sharpen your cybersecurity skills.

Keynotes & Talks

Learn from industry leaders sharing key security insights.

Washington Hilton

Hotel Special Rates & Reservations

A special discounted rate of $222.00 S/D plus applicable taxes will be honored based on space availability.

A limited number of Government Per Diem rooms at the prevailing rate are available with proper ID.

These rates include Internet in your room, complimentary access to the fitness center, and are only available through Monday, November 18, 2025. When booking through the links below, the $25 daily resort fee will be waived.

Washington, DC: Hilton

3 Reasons To Stay At The Event Venue

  • Ultimate Convenience

    Eliminate the hassle of daily commutes and wasted travel time. You’ll have everything you need—from your training to dining and amenities - all in one centralized, convenient location.

  • Seamless Networking Opportunities

    Stay where the action is! Maximize your chances to connect with fellow cybersecurity professionals and industry leaders - from impromptu conversations in the lobby to exclusive after-hours events.

  • All Day, All Event Access

    SANS live training events include bonus sessions exclusively at the venue. Staying on-site ensures you won’t miss these opportunities to grow your network and engage with peers beyond the conference agenda.

2 People Looking at Laptop

Travel Information