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SANS Cyber Defense Initiative® 2025

  • Fri, Dec 12 - Wed, Dec 17, 2025
  • 42 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.

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Limited Time Cyber-Pro Pass

Join us in Washington, D.C. at SANS Cyber Defense Initiative® 2025 and unlock special savings when you register to attend in-person. A $3,240 value!* Unlock the OnDemand Bundle which includes 4-months of course and lab learning access after your training with live SME support. Plus, Free Access to Play in the Core NetWars Tournament during your training week on Mon, Dec. 12 – Tues, Dec. 13. Compete against your classmates in the ultimate multi-disciplinary cyber range that powers up the most diverse cyber skills. *Offers limited. Available while supplies last.

Early Bird Offer

Save 500 USD using the code "EarlyBirdNA" and pay for any 4-6 day course (excluding Beta Courses) by September 12, 2025.

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.

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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:In-PersonVirtual

Security Essentials: Network, Endpoint, and Cloud

Essentials
SEC401Cyber Defense
SEC401: Security Essentials - Network, Endpoint, and Cloud
  • GIAC Security Essentials
  • 6 Days
  • 46 CPEs
  • Bryan Simon
  • 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:In-PersonVirtual

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:In-PersonVirtual

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:In-PersonVirtual

Advanced Incident Response, Threat Hunting, and Digital Forensics

Intermediate
FOR508Digital Forensics and Incident Response
FOR508: Advanced Incident Response, Threat Hunting, and Digital Forensics
  • GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst
  • 6 Days
  • 36 CPEs
  • Carlos Cajigas
  • 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:In-PersonVirtual

Web App Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking

Intermediate
SEC542Offensive Operations
SEC542: Web App Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking
  • GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester
  • 6 Days
  • 36 CPEs
  • Timothy McKenzie
  • 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:In-PersonVirtual

Network Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking

Intermediate
SEC560Offensive Operations
SEC560: Enterprise Penetration Testing
  • GIAC Penetration Tester
  • 6 Days
  • 36 CPEs
  • Jon Gorenflo
  • 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:In-PersonVirtual

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:In-PersonVirtual

Reverse-Engineering Malware: Malware Analysis Tools and Techniques

Advanced
FOR610Digital Forensics and Incident Response
FOR610: Reverse-Engineering Malware: Malware Analysis Tools and Techniques
  • GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware
  • 6 Days
  • 36 CPEs
  • Lenny Zeltser
  • 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: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

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
View Hotel

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

Airport, Plane, & Luggage
Google Maps

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.

United
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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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