Tell us a bit about your overall experience at the SANS Copenhagen September 2024 training event.
A very good event. I've never experienced such a professional and well organised training experience. The instructor was really good. The food was great. The course was really hard, but in the best possible way.
The social part of the training event was a really good experience as well. We got to talk to the other participants. Such a good opportunity for networking!
What were the most valuable parts of the SEC503: Network Monitoring and Threat Detection In-Depth course?
I think the real-world examples and the way Andrew was able to put things into perspective and make it relevant for your organization was valuable. The fact that all the tools we learn to use are open source and directly applicable to our own organizations with very low cost is an eye opener as well. Oftentimes, these tools can be tailored to your needs way better than the commercial off-the-shelf tools.
What were the key takeaways from the SEC503 course that you plan to apply in your current role? How do you anticipate these new skills will influence your work?
In my role as a cyber security consultant, I can use these skills to help my clients to understand how important it is to have knowledge about what is going on in the network and how you use it. It is incredibly important if we want to catch the bad guys or just optimize our networks.
How was the course delivered and what can you share about the SANS instructor?
I just want to say that I have never had such a good instructor. You would think that learning network theory, counting packets, bits etc. Would be tough on the concentration. But somehow Andy was able to make all five days of the course engaging and interesting. That's a rare skill to have. Big shoutout to Andrew Laman for being a great instructor.
Do you believe the training you received will help you in your future career? Are there any specific goals you now feel more equipped to achieve?
Definitely! I have learned some great skills by taking this course and during exam training for the GCIA CERT. As I finished my GCIA exam yesterday, I thought about how awesome it has been to test my self-discipline and ability to learn new stuff during this process. I have never liked reading up for an exam, but honestly, I loved it this time!
I do not think that the technical skills are the most valuable here, it is more the way of thinking about threats that I can use in several aspects of my professional life. The way we hypothesize, analyze, and do the work to iterate through the process of threat hunting is a valuable insight to bring into our professional lives. By taking the SEC503 and GCIA I feel more confident in my ability to learn new things and make use of them. Of course, network monitoring and threat detection are great skills that I can use to progress in my career.
Do you plan to make any specific changes in your everyday work practices as a result of completing the SEC503 course?
I have another way of thinking when it comes to threat hunting and how I talk to companies about the importance of network detection. I can definitely use the pointers about not having to buy the most expensive equipment. Use what you have and maybe get an analyst who can help you get to where you need to be.
How does SANS training compare to other cybersecurity training you have taken?
Nothing compares. This is by far the most professional course I have ever done. The intensity and quality are unparalleled.
As I mentioned. The live instructor was good. 10/10 to Andy!
The OnDemand course material and certification was a smooth process that just worked.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience with the SEC503 course or the SANS Copenhagen Training event?
I enjoyed every part of this experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to join the SANS Copenhagen Training event!