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SANS Cyber Defense Initiative 2025

Washington Hilton Washington, DC, US and Virtual - ET Fri, Dec 12 - Wed, Dec 17, 2025
Register for Your Course at CDI

Explore All That Cyber Defense Initiative 2025 has to Offer

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Attend In-Person, Receive a Cyber-Pro Power Bundle

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40+ Immersive Cybersecurity Training Courses

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Exclusive Alumni Receptions

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Network with Global Leaders

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@Night Talks: Buzzing Industry Topics

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Hands-on Workshops

GIAC Certification

30+ GIAC Certifications

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Core NetWars Tournament

SANS CDI 2025: Arrive Curious. Leave Invincible.

Experience the excitement of SANS live training in historic Washington, D.C.! When you attend in-person, you gain all-access offerings from hands-on workshops, networking receptions, CTFs and more. Register today to advance your career path with cybersecurity training at SANS Cyber Defense Initiative 2025.

Looking to Attend Cyber Defense Initiative 2025? It's as Easy as 1-2-3!

1. Check out all that Cyber Defense Initiative 2025 Has to Offer 2. Select & register for Your Cyber Defense Initiative 2025 Course 3. Book Your Hotel & Travel Using SANS Exclusive Discount Codes
Register for Your CDI 2025 Course

Learn from World-Renowned Cyber Experts

Featured Courses

SEC401: Security Essentials - Network, Endpoint, and Cloud™
Certification:

  • GSEC
SEC504™: Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Incident Handling™
Certification:

  • GCIH
Major Update
FOR508™: Advanced Incident Response, Threat Hunting, and Digital Forensics™
Certification:

  • GCFA
SEC301: Introduction to Cyber Security™
Certification:

  • GISF
FOR578: Cyber Threat Intelligence™
Certification:

  • GCTI
ICS410: ICS/SCADA Security Essentials™
Certification:

  • GICSP
Major Update
FOR500: Windows Forensic Analysis™
Certification:

  • GCFE
    See All Courses at CDI
    Join in this exciting opportunity to hone your skills via SANS NEW Villages setting with your peers. We’ve planned an exciting & immersive multifaceted experience for all students to enjoy at SANS Cyber Defense Initiative 2025. Stay tuned for Village details to come!
    Learn More

    CDI Bonus Sessions

    Cyber Range - NetWars
    Two Ways to Play
    Experience NetWars — An immersive, high-quality cybersecurity lab and interactive exercise crafted by renowned SANS instructors. Hone your skills at CDI with Core NetWars or qualify in upcoming tournaments for a chance to compete in the Core NetWars Tournament of Champions.
    Core NetWars
    Core NetWars
    Date/Time: Mon, Dec 16 & Tues, Dec 17 | 6:30pm – 9:30pm ET (UTC-4) Attendance Options: In-Person
    Core NetWars - Tournament of Champions
    Tournament of Champions | Invitation-only
    Date/Time: Mon, Dec 16 & Tues, Dec 17 | 6:30pm – 9:30pm ET (UTC-4) Attendance Options: In-Person
    USDoD 8140 Directive
    Implementing the US Department of Defense 8140 Directive
    As the Department of Defense (DoD) embarks of the implementation phase of DoD 8140, it's crucial to equip yourself and your team with the necessary knowledge to meet impending deadlines of Feb 2025 for the cybersecurity workforce and Feb 2026 for anyone in IT/Intelligence/Cyberspace Effects.

      SANS AlumNight at Cyber Defense Initiative 2025

      Embark on your cybersecurity journey and make it unforgettable! Whether this your first SANS event or you're returning, join the industry's premier gathering of cybersecurity professionals! Experience an electrifying celebration where networking, food, drinks, giveaways, and dynamic expert discussions converge. Connect with fellow SANS Alumni and Instructors in a vibrant atmosphere. This is more than an event; it's an immersive experience that fuels your passion for cybersecurity and fosters invaluable connections.

      Insert Coin to Play: Core NetWars Version 10 Available

      Join us in celebrating the 10th version of Core NetWars! The latest iteration of our renowned cyber range is designed to meet current cyber challenges through retro arcade and AI engagement. Experience new challenges with AI, hardware tracking, Threat hunting with ELK Stack & more!
      Explore New Version

      Hear from Former Attendees

      SANS makes the entire experience amazing! I have been attending SANS classes for many years and I keep coming back for more. There is no one else out there that provides security training like SANS.
      Ron Foupht
      - Werner Enterprises
      The entire training experience is an event! There is so much happening at SANS besides the classroom! You need to be here to experience it all! This is the place with all the security knowledge you could ever need!
      Ron Foupht
      - Werner Enterprises
      SANS offers the ultimate in quality instruction and thoughtful curriculum development. I learned so much this week and can't wait to review and apply what I learned.
      Gabrielle S.
      - US Federal Agency
      The labs were very hands-on, and being able to manually go through these exercises gives me confidence that I can do these things in the future.
      Crystal Cleaveland
      - American Registry for Internet Numbers
      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 Craft
      - S-RM
      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.
      Thomas Seck
      - Johns Hopkins APL

        Event Venue Details - The Washington Hilton

        Hotel Address Washington Hilton Washington, DC, US and Virtual - ET Fri, Dec 12 - Wed, Dec 17, 2025 Hotel Special Rates and 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 and are only available through Tuesday, November 19, 2025.
        To make a regular reservation To make a government per diem reservation