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SANS Cyber Defense Initiative® 2026

  • Mon, Dec 14 - Sat, Dec 19, 2026
  • 41 Courses
  • 1 NetWars Tournament
  • English
Grand Hyatt Washington & Virtual (ET)
1000 H Street NW, Washington D.C. 20001
Washington, DC, Washington Monument

Year-End Cybersecurity Training in Washington, D.C.

SANS Cyber Defense Initiative 2026 is a cybersecurity training event running December 14 - 19 at the Grand Hyatt Washington, in-person and online. One of the largest course lineups SANS runs each year, it spans every cyber focus area and includes a Core NetWars tournament.

The Year's Largest Winter Course Lineup

As one of the largest cybersecurity training events on the calendar, this is where a team can send people across different roles and have every one of them find a relevant course the same week, from a first security certification through advanced malware reverse engineering and ICS incident response. Ending the year in Washington also puts it within reach of the federal workforce for whom December training aligns with fiscal-year budgets.

In-person attendees get keynote access and a Core NetWars tournament with any 4-to-6-day course.

The Grand Hyatt sits a few blocks from the National Mall, with a direct Metro Center connection underneath.

Course Highlights:

  • Reverse engineer malware samples in Reverse-Engineering Malware: Malware Analysis Tools and Techniques.
  • Defend industrial control systems in ICS Visibility, Detection, and Response.
  • Build cloud security controls from the ground up in Cloud Security Engineering and Controls.

Save $900 on SANS Live Training Courses This Summer

Any 4–6 day North America course, In-Person or Live Online Book now, train when it suits you. Choose your course and register between July 5 - August 15, 2026. Your course can start any time, even after the promo ends. Use code “SUMMER900” at checkout.

Important Dates
Refund Deadline:
Hotel Group Discount Deadline:

Courses

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Schedule

Keynotes & Talks

Learn from industry leaders sharing key security insights.

Workshops

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

NetWars Tournaments

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

Not attending a course? Standalone registration is also available. See the Schedule section below for details.

Grand Hyatt Washington

Hotel Special Rates and Reservations

A special discounted rate of $242.00 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.

There is a daily discounted destination fee of $10 per room, per day, plus applicable taxes. Destination fee includes high-speed wireless internet in guest rooms, access to 24hr fitness center, bottled water, and daily newspapers. Destination fee is waived for any Government per diem rooms.

These rates are only available through Monday, November 23, 2026.

Washington DC, Grand Hyatt Washington

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.

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Travel Information