SEC504: Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Incident Handling

Experience SANS training through course previews.
Learn MoreLet us help.
Contact usConnect, learn, and share with other cybersecurity professionals
Engage, challenge, and network with fellow CISOs in this exclusive community of security leaders
Become a member for instant access to our free resources.
Sign UpMission-focused cybersecurity training for government, defense, and education
Explore industry-specific programming and customized training solutions
Sponsor a SANS event or research paper
We're here to help.
Contact UsOrganizations face a critical disconnect between offensive security experts who identify vulnerabilities and defensive teams tasked with protecting systems. The Hack & Defend Summit brings these different security professionals together to learn from each other and build better protection strategies. By working together instead of separately, we can create stronger defenses against real threats.
Join us this October in Austin, TX for practical workshops, presentations from experts, and network with other security professionals. Whether you're interested in finding vulnerabilities, defending systems, or managing security teams, the Hack & Defend Summit will help you learn new skills and protect against cyber-attacks.
An enriching experience that exceeded my expectations. The comprehensive range of expert-led sessions provided valuable insights into the latest cybersecurity trends and cutting-edge techniques.
This is an amazing opportunity to learn from the best and to network with the most encouraging people.
Overall, all the presenters were great. I not only learned a lot. I realized I have a lot to learn.
The Summit was relevant to what I do, the problems my company faces, our challenges, etc...The speakers are icons in this space.
Sponsorship opportunities are currently available for SANS Hack & Defend Summit 2025. If your organization would be interested in sponsoring, please reach out to sponsorships@sans.org for more information.
Two simultaneous tracks — Defense and Offense — Choose your path.
If you're joining us in Austin, you'll have the chance to gain real-world experience through both offensive and defensive hands-on workshops, interactive labs, and capture-the-flag (CTF) challenges.
Numerous opportunities for deep-dive discussions, and casual chats over breaks, meals, and evening receptions.
The days will be filled with the latest in Red and Blue, but the fun goes up a notch at night for those joining us in Austin.
Enhance your knowledge base and add to your toolkit by bundling your Summit experience with a hands-on, immersive course taught by top SANS instructors and course authors.
Training Special: Get $600 off ANY 4-6 day course running at 2025 SANS Summits, when you register and pay by Friday, July 11. Use offer code SUMMIT*600 at checkout. Bundle Offer: Attend the in-person Summit for FREE, when you register for ANY 4-6 day course running in-person at the Summit.
Looking for Group Purchasing? Contact Us
2 Free practice tests when you add a certification exam attempt to your course. Available for select courses below.
Add OnDemand access for 4 months to help you prepare for your GIAC exam. Available for select courses below.
Play two evenings of the DFIR NetWars Tournament. Free with purchase of a 4, 5, or 6 day course
Stephen Sims, an esteemed vulnerability researcher and exploit developer, has significantly advanced cybersecurity by authoring SANS's most advanced courses and co-authoring the "Gray Hat Hacking" series.
Learn moreJohn redefined modern SOC operations by engineering globally adopted blue team strategies and co-creating the GSOC cert. Through the Blueprint podcast and SANS leadership, he’s unified thousands of defenders around real-world detection tactics.
Learn moreHuáscar Tejeda is a seasoned cybersecurity expert with over 20 years of notable achievements in IT and Telecommunications. Huáscar is co-author of the Gray Hat Hacking 6th edition, and contributing author of SANS's most advanced course, "SEC760: Advanced Exploit Development for Penetration Testers".
Learn moreIngrid is currently the Manger of Intelligence at Red Canary.
Learn moreJason Ostrom has revolutionized cybersecurity by developing open-source tools like PurpleCloud and Automated Emulation, enabling scalable adversary emulation in cloud environments.
Learn moreJeff McJunkin, Rogue Valley InfoSec founder, has led Fortune 100 pen tests and shaped Core NetWars. His key role in SANS Holiday Hack Challenge and hands-on security innovations continue to elevate the industry, advancing defenses worldwide.
Learn moreTuesday, 28 October - Wednesday, 29 October
Thursday, 30 October - Tuesday, 4 November
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.
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.
A special discounted rate of $299.00 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.
All rates include the resort fee for a savings of $22 per day. The resort fee provides deluxe WiFi for unlimited devices, two bottles of water upon arrival (additional upon request), in-room coffee and tea offerings, complimentary local and 1-800 calls, 24/7 access to the fitness center with Peloton bikes, exclusive access to the heated rooftop pool and priority and discounted cabana & daybed rentals (subject to availability), priority reservations at Capital A Restaurant, daily digital edition of The Wall Street Journal, $2 off admission to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, and $5 off a 2-hr rental at the Texas Rowing Center (paddleboard, canoe, kayak).
These items are subject to change.
These rates are only available through Friday, October 3, 2025.
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.
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.
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.
Fresh from a multi-million-dollar renovation, Omni Austin Hotel Downtown is better than ever. Renewed in mid-century style, this downtown Austin hotel offers vibrant color and playful details from the lobby to your guest room. Just blocks away, dive into Austin’s nightlife and hear live music in entertainment hotspots like Sixth Street, Rainey Street and the Red River Cultural District. At the hotel, pick up a coffee and a handcrafted pastry at President’s House Coffee and snack on laid-back fare at Capital A inside the hotel’s large glass-walled atrium. There’s no better place to experience the energy of the Texas capital than from this hotel in downtown Austin, TX.
- Self-Parking: Not Available - Valet Parking: $59.00 (includes in/out privileges) Rates listed are prevailing and subject to change. Alternative Parking Options - SANS recommends researching nearby parking facilities for more affordable options. Below are some popular parking apps that can help you locate and reserve space during your training are SpotHero, ParkMobile and ParkWhiz. Distance from Nearby Airport - Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS): Approximately 11 miles