Stay Ahead of Tomorrow’s Threats: Master AI, Blockchain, and Quantum Defense at the SANS Emerging Threats Summit

Summit: May 13-14 | Arlington, VA for All-Access or Free Live Online for select talks

Summit Chair: Rob Lee

Technologies like AI, Blockchain, and Quantum Computing are rapidly changing cybersecurity and driving new risks.  It's now increasingly easier for State-sponsored cyber-attackers to target critical infrastructure and engage in espionage activities. Organizations need to understand the threats and proactively prepare for these challenges.  

The upcoming SANS Emerging Threat Summit will provide valuable insights and practical solutions for handling today’s cybersecurity threats, helping organizations stay one step ahead in a constantly evolving landscape. 

"Nobody else in the industry is as comprehensive as SANS or as up-to-date and knowledgeable. If you want to learn how to do your job right, I don’t think there's any better training out there right now." - Ronald C.

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Day 1: The Threats

On Day 1, we will address emerging threats evolving and expanding the attack surface that organizations must defend against. These threats include increasing attacks on:  

  • Critical infrastructure 
  • Quantum computing exposing vulnerabilities in cryptographic algorithms 
  • Using AI/ML to automate attacks and increase the sophistication of phishing attacks 
  • Novel methods of breaching organizations through targeted third-party attacks 

We will also examine which technologies are being exploited and identify the adversaries and threat groups rapidly leveraging these technologies to infiltrate organizations. 

Day 2: The Defenses

On Day 2, the emphasis will be on understanding and defending against specific emerging threats introduced by these technologies. Attendees will learn about: 

  • New defensive, detection, and response techniques addressing these threats
  • Leveraging AI, blockchain technologies, enhanced mitigation of third-party attack risks, and advanced endpoint monitoring
  • Recommendations organizations should consider to protect against criminal and state-sponsored attacks

Learn the latest in: 

  • AI/ML-powered tools enhance cyber defense and attack tactics - Learn how criminals are using these technologies to automate attacks and create phishing scams that significantly increase the pace and scope of cyber exploits.  
  • Third-party vulnerabilities — Third-party vendor attacks, like the SolarWinds breach, illustrate the severe risk posed by compromised vendors, with reports showing that most organizations are linked to a third party that has faced a breach. 
  • Internet of Things (IoT) Threats – The growing use of devices has expanded potential cyber-attack vulnerabilities due to inadequate security, with attacks rising as these devices become integral to daily life. 
  • Leveraging Blockchain for Secure Data Integrity and Authentication – Discussions will center on exploring how Blockchain provides data integrity measures despite the risks involved and understanding how unauthorized access attempts have targeted blockchain systems. 
  • Mobile Device Vulnerabilities— Smartphones have become prime targets for attackers, as they now serve as critical access points for corporate breaches and cyber extortion. 
  • State-sponsored cyber-attacks – Understand how nation-state actors, like China-sponsored groups Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon, target critical infrastructure and sensitive data for cyber warfare and espionage, prompting NSA, FBI, and CISA advisories due to severe geopolitical risks. 
  • Quantum computing - Quantum computing presents significant computational capabilities but also makes it easier for attackers to compromise existing encryption protocols. 
  • Cloud Vulnerabilities - As organizations rely more on cloud-based systems, security challenges like misconfigurations are increasingly leading to data breaches. The dynamics are shifting with statistics provided by IBM suggesting an 80+% involvement of cloud data in breach incidents. 

Choose Your Experience: In-Person or Live Online 

Whether you're planning to dive into the full Summit experience in DC, or the free, curated content offered Live Online, you'll walk away with new tools, techniques, and connections that will have a lasting impact on your career. 

In-Person: All-Access Summit Experience in Arlington 

The In-Person Summit includes exclusive access to: 

  • ALL Summit Keynotes, Talks and Sessions 
  • Hands-On SANS Instructor-led Workshops: Dive into material and get hands-on experience with AI tools and techniques that you can apply immediately in your work. 
  • One-of-a-Kind Networking Opportunities: You'll have the chance to engage with leading experts, SANS instructors, and your peers in the community. 
  • An Evening Reception: Connect with your Summit Chair, speakers, and fellow attendees over some fun, food, and drinks. 
  • FOOD! - 2-days of breakfasts, lunches, and snacks included 
  • First-Access to Approved Recordings and Presentations 

Live Online: Curated Talks Streamed from Arlington, VA to You 

  • Select Summit Talks & Content 
  • Interactive chat on Slack – Connect with the community 
  • First access to recordings and presentations 

As an attendee, you’ll walk away from your Summit experience with a fresh perspective, a better connection with the community and new tools that you can immediately leverage in your work. 

Important Dates

Refund Date Hotel Group Discount Deadline
April 28, 2025 April 21, 2025

Location

The Westin Crystal City
1800 Richmond Highway
Arlington, VA 22202

Phone: 703-486-1111

The Westin Crystal City

The Westin Crystal City located across Crystal City Metro station blue and yellow lines offers easy access to Washington D.C., shuttle service to Ronald Reagan National Airport 1-mile, National Landing’s charming restaurants, and the Water Park, the newest outdoor food hall. The Westin Crystal City is one of the only four-star business hotels in Crystal City, VA featuring city-view rooms, the signature Heavenly Beds, high-speed internet, and HDTVs. Enjoy the expansive 1,500 square-foot WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio with Peloton machines.

Hotel Special Rates and Reservations


A special discounted rate of $309.00 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 Monday, April 21, 2025.

To make a regular reservation, please visit this link.

To make a government per diem reservation, please visit this link.

Top 3 reasons to stay at The Westin Crystal City

  1. No need to factor in daily cab fees and the time associated with travel to alternate hotels. Everything is in one convenient location!
  2. By staying at The Westin Crystal City, you gain the opportunity to further network with your industry peers and remain in the center of the activity surrounding the conference.
  3. SANS schedules additional networking events at The Westin Crystal City that you won't want to miss!

Travel Arrangements and Directions

Venue Parking Rates at time of publication:

Self-Parking: $48.00*

*Rates subject to change.  Please contact the venue for the most up to date information.

SANS attendees will receive a 35% discount on prevailing daily and nightly parking rate per standard size vehicle per day. Parking is self-park on a first come first serve basis.

From Reagan National Airport (DCA): Approximately 0.9 miles.

Google Maps

Experience Arlington

3 Quick Facts about Arlington

  1. Established during the Civil War on the estate of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most famous military cemeteries in the United States. Over 400,000 veterans and military casualties from the nation’s conflicts are interred there, including President John F. Kennedy.
  2. Arlington houses the Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense. It’s one of the largest office buildings in the world and has twice the floor space of the Empire State Building.
  3. Arlington’s proximity to federal agencies, such as the Department of Defense (DoD), NSA, and the Pentagon, gives it direct access to vital government cyber security initiatives, making it a prime location for contractors and private firms focused on national security.

Recommended Web Links

https://www.stayarlington.com/

https://washington.org/