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SANS Cyber Defense Initiative® 2025

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

SANS Live Training: Arrive Curious. Leave Invincible.

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.

Students Say

  • Slide 1 of 4
    SANS creates a one-of-a-kind learning experience providing world-class training and fascinating opportunities to network and gain new perspectives from your peers!
    Justin E.U.S. Federal Agency
  • Slide 2 of 4
    The instruction at SANS is top-notch. I have been to several SANS training courses and they never disappoint. The instructors bring real life experiences and show the students how the material can be applied.
    Thomas SeckJohns Hopkins APL
  • Slide 3 of 4
    The labs are giving me a chance to see the course content first hand and interact with it. It's doing a good job of letting me play with it and really seeing how the tools and methodologies work.
    Ryan MoellerEureka Strategic Consulting
  • Slide 4 of 4
    SANS training keeps individuals up-to-date with relevant cyber security information. I can now apply the skills learned towards further maturing my program.
    Nicholas MarriottPfizer
Slide 1 of 0

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

GIAC Certification Exam Attempt

2 Free practice tests when you add a certification exam attempt to your course. Available for select courses below.

OnDemand Access

Add 4 months of OnDemand access to your course purchase. Only available for courses with an OnDemand option.

Netwars Tournaments

Free with purchase of a 4, 5 or 6 day in-person course. Instructions to confirm your spot will be shared on site.

Showing 9 of 43
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SEC503: Network Monitoring and Threat Detection In-Depth

Intermediate
SEC503Cyber Defense
SEC503: Network Monitoring and Threat Detection In-Depth
  • GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst
  • 6 Days
  • 46 CPEs
  • Andrew Laman
  • Starts 12 Dec 2025 at 8:30 AM ET
  • $8,780 USD (Course)
  • $999 USD (Certification)
  • *Prices exclude applicable local taxes

View course details
Log in to register:In-PersonVirtual

SEC401: Security Essentials - Network, Endpoint, and Cloud

Essentials
SEC401Cyber Defense
SEC401: Security Essentials - Network, Endpoint, and Cloud
  • Starts 12 Dec 2025 at 8:30 AM ET
  • $8,780 USD (Course)
  • $999 USD (Certification)
  • *Prices exclude applicable local taxes

View course details
Log in to register:In-PersonVirtual

SEC504: Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Incident Handling

Essentials
SEC504Offensive Operations
SEC504: Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Incident Handling
  • GIAC Certified Incident Handler
  • 6 Days
  • 38 CPEs
  • Chris Pizor
  • Starts 12 Dec 2025 at 8:30 AM ET
  • $8,780 USD (Course)
  • $999 USD (Certification)
  • *Prices exclude applicable local taxes

View course details
Log in to register:In-PersonVirtual

SEC501: Advanced Security Essentials - Enterprise Defender

Intermediate
SEC501Cyber Defense
SEC501: Advanced Security Essentials - Enterprise Defender
  • GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender
  • 6 Days
  • 38 CPEs
  • Ross Bergman
  • Starts 12 Dec 2025 at 8:30 AM ET
  • $8,780 USD (Course)
  • $999 USD (Certification)
  • *Prices exclude applicable local taxes

View course details
Log in to register:In-PersonVirtual

FOR508: Advanced Incident Response, Threat Hunting, and Digital Forensics

Intermediate
FOR508Digital Forensics and Incident Response
FOR508: Advanced Incident Response, Threat Hunting, and Digital Forensics
  • Starts 12 Dec 2025 at 8:30 AM ET
  • $8,780 USD (Course)
  • $999 USD (Certification)
  • *Prices exclude applicable local taxes

View course details
Log in to register:In-PersonVirtual

SEC542: Web App Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking

Intermediate
SEC542Offensive Operations
SEC542: Web App Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking
  • Starts 12 Dec 2025 at 8:30 AM ET
  • $8,780 USD (Course)
  • $999 USD (Certification)
  • *Prices exclude applicable local taxes

View course details
Log in to register:In-PersonVirtual

SEC560: Enterprise Penetration Testing

Intermediate
SEC560Offensive Operations
SEC560: Enterprise Penetration Testing
  • Starts 12 Dec 2025 at 8:30 AM ET
  • $8,780 USD (Course)
  • $999 USD (Certification)
  • *Prices exclude applicable local taxes

View course details
Log in to register:In-PersonVirtual

SEC566: Implementing and Auditing CIS Controls

Intermediate
SEC566Cybersecurity Leadership
LDR553: Cyber Incident Management
  • GIAC Critical Controls Certification
  • 5 Days
  • 30 CPEs
  • Brian Ventura
  • Starts 12 Dec 2025 at 8:30 AM ET
  • $7,650 USD (Course)
  • $999 USD (Certification)
  • *Prices exclude applicable local taxes

View course details
Log in to register:In-PersonVirtual

FOR610: Reverse-Engineering Malware: Malware Analysis Tools and Techniques

Advanced
FOR610Digital Forensics and Incident Response
FOR610: Reverse-Engineering Malware: Malware Analysis Tools and Techniques
  • Starts 12 Dec 2025 at 8:30 AM ET
  • $8,780 USD (Course)
  • $999 USD (Certification)
  • *Prices exclude applicable local taxes

View course details
Log in to register:In-PersonVirtual

Featured Speakers

Carlos Cajigas

Carlos Cajigas

Chief Technology Officer

A native of Puerto Rico, Carlos began his career with the West Palm Beach Police Department in Florida, first as a police officer and eventually as a digital forensics detective, examiner, and instructor specializing in computer crime investigations.

Learn more
Ovie Carroll

Ovie Carroll

Director

For Ovie Carroll, digital forensics is all about the hunt for evidence in digital places that are hiding critical clues, followed by deep analysis to prove something that the evidence was never intended to prove.

Learn more
Monta Elkins

Monta Elkins

Hacker-in-Chief

Monta Elkins is currently "Hacker-in-Chief" for FoxGuard Solutions, an ICS patch provider. A security researcher and consultant; he was formerly Security Architect for Rackspace, and the first ISO for Radford University.

Learn more
Jon Gorenflo

Jon Gorenflo

Information Security Consultant

Jon Gorenflo has strengthened cybersecurity through leadership in pen testing, incident response, and security engineering. His dedication to mentoring and knowledge-sharing has empowered professionals and enhanced defenses industry-wide.

Learn more
Rich Greene

Rich Greene

Senior Solutions Engineer

Rich is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over two decades of experience in the cyber domain. He has participated in offensive and defensive cyber operations for the Department of Defense (DoD) in more than 17 countries.

Learn more
David Hoelzer

David Hoelzer

CEO

David Hoelzer has fundamentally advanced cybersecurity by pioneering the GIAC Security Expert (GSE) certification, leading AI-driven threat detection initiatives, and developing MAVIS, an open-source ML tool enhancing code review processes.

Learn more

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.

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Featured Keynote: Cybersecurity Insights - An Interactive Fireside Chat with US Department of State's Gharun Lacy

As a known hub for the direction of geopolitics, sanctions, and trade, the Department of State is an attractive target for advanced nation-state threat actors motivated more by a desire for information than by greed, and as public-facing representatives of the U.S. overseas, diplomat staff and buildings don’t have the benefit of anonymity.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Gharun Lacy will share Diplomatic Security's cybersecurity strategies for navigating the evolving cyber threat landscape and leveraging emerging technologies as a uniquely positioned law enforcement entity in the U.S. government's most global agency.

06:00PM - 07:00PM EST
In-Person

Tournament: Core NetWars

Registration: All students who register for a 4–6 day course will be eligible to play NetWars for free. Registration for this event will be through your SANS Account Dashboard the week of the event.

About Core NetWars: The most comprehensive of the NetWars ranges, this ultimate multi-disciplinary cyber range powers up the most diverse cyber skills. This range is ideal for advancing your cybersecurity prowess in today's dynamic threat landscape. The winning team and the top five solo players from every Core NetWars tournament throughout the year are offered a chance to compete in the annual SANS Core NetWars Tournament of Champions.

05:30PM - 09:30PM EST
In-Person

Tournament: Core NetWars

Registration: All students who register for a 4–6 day course will be eligible to play NetWars for free. Registration for this event will be through your SANS Account Dashboard the week of the event.

About Core NetWars: The most comprehensive of the NetWars ranges, this ultimate multi-disciplinary cyber range powers up the most diverse cyber skills. This range is ideal for advancing your cybersecurity prowess in today's dynamic threat landscape. The winning team and the top five solo players from every Core NetWars tournament throughout the year are offered a chance to compete in the annual SANS Core NetWars Tournament of Champions.

06:30PM - 09:30PM EST
In-Person

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.

Book A Regular ReservationBook A Government Per Diem Reservation
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.

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Travel Information

Washington Hilton

Discover a contemporary urban retreat located in the heart of D.C.'s most desirable neighborhoods. Steeped in history, this hotel has hosted presidents, notable figures, and prestigious events since 1965. Enjoy a seasonal outdoor heated pool with spectacular views of the Washington Monument. Discover local flavors in four exceptional on-site dining venues.

Hotel Key Card
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Venue Parking Details

- Self-Parking: $56.00 daily (includes in-and-out privileges for overnight guests staying at the hotel) - Valet Parking: Unavailable - Available self-parking is covered and secured with a maximum vehicle height of 6'2" Rates listed are prevailing and subject to change. Alternative Parking Options - SANS recommends researching nearby parking facilities for more affordable options. Some popular parking apps that can help you locate and reserve space during your training are SpotHero, ParkMobile, and ParkWhiz. Distances from Nearby Airports - Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Approximately 7.9 miles - Dulles International Airport (IAD): Approximately 29.0 miles - Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI): Approximately 33.9 miles

Travel Arrangements and Parking
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Save on United Flights To Live Events

The discount ranges from 1% - 10% depending on the origin airport. When making the flight reservation, use the code - 'ZQ33173387'. Please Note: This discount applies to flights with United Airlines and other codeshare airlines and does not apply to basic economy fares. Call the United Meetings Reservation Desk at (800) 426-1122 for booking assistance.

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Save on Delta Flights To Live Events

Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special flight discounts for SANS Institute customers!  Depending on fare type, domestic discounts range from 2- 10%. Use Meeting Event Code 'NM47F' during booking.  You may also call Delta Meeting Network® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. (EST)  *Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via the reservation 800 number. Discounts valid on Delta and applicable Codeshare flights.

Delta
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