SEC595: Applied Data Science and AI/Machine Learning for Cybersecurity Professionals

Kick off your Security West 2026 experience in style at the Welcome Reception!
This high-energy, can’t-miss event is your first opportunity to connect with fellow cybersecurity professionals, renowned SANS faculty, and industry peers from around the globe. Spark meaningful conversations about today’s most pressing cybersecurity trends, expand your professional network, and start shaping your training goals for the week ahead—or simply unwind and enjoy the moment.
Whether you’re here to collaborate, explore, or recharge, this reception sets the stage for a week of deep, immersive learning. Refreshing beverages (adult and otherwise) and delicious bites will be served.
Join your classmates and instructors to gather and network before settling into the evening’s exciting Keynote. Appetizers and adult beverages will be provided.
AI feels new, but the risks do not. As organizations rapidly deploy LLMs, coding agents, RAG systems, and autonomous workflows into their environments, they are discovering that many of today’s AI security challenges are not new at all. They are classic vulnerabilities reappearing at far greater speed and scale.
Seize the day and get your steps in before class! SANS invites you to join for a morning walk or run along the Embarcadero Trail.
We will meet at 6:45am in the hotel lobby at the Grand Hyatt (Harbor Tower) and head north along the trail to the B Street Pier along the beautiful North San Diego Bay.
You are welcome to stay with a group or move at your own pace. Refreshments will be provided afterwards.
As the world of information technology continues to change, so does the role of the security leader. Whether you're a CISO, Director of Security, or someone aspiring for such a position, you should consider how the current trends in IT and business affect your professional journey. Does your current approach to security leadership set you up for success?
This hands-on session will take you through a detailed FOR589 lab focusing on the complexities of cybercrime infrastructure. You will delve into the critical types of infrastructure indicators—Atomic, Behavioral, and Computed—and their roles in detecting and understanding cybercrime activities.
AI is a major topic of discussion today—and rightfully so. But for those of us in cybersecurity, it's crucial not only to understand how to use AI for security, but also to recognize the threats targeting AI models, their ecosystems, and how to defend and secure them effectively.
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.
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 DFIR NetWars: Focused on digital forensics, incident response, threat hunting, and malware analysis, this tool-agnostic approach covers everything from low-level artifacts to high-level behavioral observations.
Ever wondered how the SANS Internet Storm Center will help you protect your network? For over 20 years, the SANS ISC has provided up-to-date threat intel and tools to make this threat intel actionable. Sources from volunteer contributors and practitioners, the ISC offers what you need to know to protect your network today.
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.
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 DFIR NetWars: Focused on digital forensics, incident response, threat hunting, and malware analysis, this tool-agnostic approach covers everything from low-level artifacts to high-level behavioral observations.