SEC504: Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Incident Handling

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Contact UsIt’s time to suit up and sharpen your skills at SANS CyberCon San Diego 2026 — the premiere, high-stakes, hands-on training event where cybersecurity heroes are born.
Under the guidance of legendary instructors — true heroes of the cyber realm — you'll engage in powerful training sessions, action-packed labs, and real-time missions that put your skills to the ultimate test.
Whether you're a seasoned guardian or just discovering your powers, this event will arm you with the tools needed to battle today’s most formidable digital threats.
Every hero needs a strong origin story. These features are your training montage — the tools, mentors, and missions that will forge your next evolution.
Sidekick-Level Support When You Need It Never fight alone. Get instant back-up from certified TAs who are always ready to leap into action when questions strike.
Into the Simulation-verse: Immersive Labs in a Virtual Environment Step into secure training simulations that feel like the Danger Room—minus the lasers. Hone your reflexes, boost your skills, and test your tactics in hands-on challenges.
Council of Cyber Elders: Thought Leadership Talks & Workshops Attend high-powered panels and deep-dive workshops in-person! From industry legends. Wisdom from the top of the tower, straight to your tactical toolkit.
Your Utility Belt of Knowledge: Comprehensive Courseware Equip yourself with premium resources—both digital and print—to reference long after the final mission ends.
Certify Your Origin Story: GIAC Certification Prove your hero’s journey with credentials that pack a punch. Most courses align with GIAC, the elite badge of honor in cyber defense.
Train Today, Upgrade Tomorrow: CPE Credits Level up your professional status by earning Continuing Professional Education credits with every course.
Replay the Mission: Extended Learning Access Because every hero rewatches the highlight reel— sign up for four months of on-demand access to your recorded training sessions.
Headquarters: La Jolla Edition Your base of operations is the San Diego Marriott La Jolla Hotel—steps from the coast, close to the action, and just the right mix of comfort and command center.
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!
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.
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.
SANS training keeps individuals up-to-date with relevant cyber security information. I can now apply the skills learned towards further maturing my program.
Assemble with fellow defenders at our opening night gathering—your first step into the CyberCon universe. Rub shoulders with elite instructors, network with new allies, and keep your eyes peeled… there’s a mystery guest lurking in the shadows, ready to make a legendary entrance. *Capes optional. Curiosity required.
Ready for your final boss battle? Join the arena for NetWars: Hero Mode—a high-octane, gamified cyber challenge where your brain is your batarang. Team up or go solo, don your alter ego, and go head-to-head in a live-fire cyber defense brawl where bragging rights are on the line. *Costumes encouraged. Cyber reflexes mandatory.
Learn MoreSave 750 USD using the code "EarlyBirdNA" and pay for any 4-6 day course (excluding Beta Courses) by August 26, 2025.
Looking for Group Training? Contact Sales
2 Free practice tests when you add a certification exam attempt to your course. Available for select courses below.
Add 4 months of OnDemand access to your course purchase. Only available for courses with an OnDemand option.
Free with purchase of a 4, 5 or 6 day in-person course. Instructions to confirm your spot will be shared on site.
Join hands-on sessions solving real-world security issues.
Daily required course training hours throughout the week.
Hands-on competitions to test and sharpen your cybersecurity skills.
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 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.
A special discounted rate of $229.00 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 and are only available through Friday, January 30, 2026.
SANS attendees who book through the link below will receive 20% off standard breakfast menu pricing at Fresh or Starbucks.
They will also receive a discounted parking rate of $13/day for daily drive-in and a discounted parking rate of $28/overnight.
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.
A cliff-top community perched on the San Diego coastline, La Jolla, or Jewel City, may technically be considered San Diego, but this is truly a destination unto itself. Marriott La Jolla invites you to put a little sparkle in your travels – to explore far and wide, and then settle into spacious rooms and suites, packed with amenities like free WiFi, luxe bedding, and flat-panel TVs to make your stay uncomplicated, unforgettable, and brilliant. Keep up with workout goals in the outdoor pool and fitness center. Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Fresh. For lunch and dinner, dine at Amuse, featuring flavorful California cuisine and full bar service.
- Self-Parking: $39.00 daily - Valet Parking: $49.00 daily Rates listed are prevailing and subject to change Alternative Parking Options SANS recommends researching nearby parking facilities for more 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 - San Diego International Airport (SAN): Approximately 9.8 miles