SANS Cyber Defense Initiative 2024

Explore All That Cyber Defense Initiative 2024 has to Offer

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

40+ Immersive Cybersecurity Training Courses

Exclusive Alumni Receptions

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Network with Global Leaders

@Night Talks: Buzzing Industry Topics

Hands-on Workshops

30+ GIAC Certifications

Core NetWars Tournament

Featured Keynote: Cybersecurity Insights - An Interactive Fireside Chat with USCYBERCOM’s Morgan M. Adamski and Rob Lee

Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear from Morgan M. Adamski, a trailblazing leader in the cybersecurity space and the Chief of USCYBERCOM's Cyber National Mission Force. As one of the most influential women in the field, Morgan has made remarkable strides in advancing national cyber defense strategies. Her keynote at SANS Cyber Defense Initiative 2024 promises to be a compelling session filled with thought-provoking insights and actionable leadership advice. Be there to experience her vision and expertise firsthand, and leave inspired to elevate your own cybersecurity journey!

SANS CDI 2024: 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 2024.

SANS Cyber Defense Initiative Schedule At-A-Glance

We can’t wait to welcome you to Washington, D.C. We have prepared an ALL-ACCESS, jam-packed schedule, just for SANS in-person students! Reference the schedule below to take advantage of all the SANS @Night talks, workshops, networking opportunities and more that await you after class!

DATE	EVENT
Friday, December 13th 6:30 – 7:30PM	Featured Keynote: Cybersecurity Insights - An Interactive Fireside Chat with USCYBERCOM’s Morgan M. Adamski and Rob Lee
Saturday, December 14th 7:00 – 8:00PM	Welcome Reception
Sunday, December 15th 5:30 – 6:30PM	AlumNight: Powered by Cyber Defense & Cloud Security
Sunday, December 15th 6:45 – 7:45PM	SANS@Night: Breaking the Kubernetes Kill Chain: Host Path Mount
Sunday, December 15th 7:45 – 8:45PM	SANS@Night: AI & Cybersecurity: 2024 Review and Strategic Insights for 2025
Monday, December 16th 6:00 – 7:00PM	Women’s Connect Reception
Monday, December 16th 6:30PM – 9:30PM	NetWars: Core Tournament
Monday, December 16th 7:15 – 8:15PM	SANS@Night: Cybersecurity at the Crossroads: Trends, Challenges, and Leadership Solutions
Tuesday, December 17th 6:30 – 9:30PM	NetWars: Core Tournament
Tuesday, December 17th 7:15 – 8:15PM	SANS@Night: Back to Basics: The Indispensable Role of Cybersecurity Fundamentals in a Complex World

Justify your training CDI 2024 35th Anniversary Special

Take the next step in your cybersecurity career with SANS Cyber Defense Initiative® training! Download your personalized justification letter to present to your boss and make a strong case for attending this hands-on, industry-leading event. Don’t miss out on expert training, networking, and a special 35th-anniversary bundle valued at $1,950!

Justify My Training Letter

Learn from World-Renowned Cyber Experts

Featured SANS @Night Talks

Breaking the Kubernetes Kill Chain: Host Path Mount

Speakers: Eric Johnson, SANS Senior Instructor & Ryan Thompson, SANS Certified Instructor Candidate Attending Option(s): In-Person In this session, we will explore the MS-TA9013 Host Path Mount technique, which is commonly used by attackers to perform privilege escalation in a Kubernetes cluster.

AI & Cybersecurity: 2024 Review and Strategic Insights for 2025

Speakers: Seth Misenar, SANS Fellow Attending Option(s): In-Person Beyond overzealous hype and entrenched skepticism, this presentation will critically assess where AI is headed and what it means for cybersecurity professionals. Expect to leave with strategic insights that will help you navigate...

Cybersecurity at the Crossroads: Trends, Challenges, and Leadership Solutions

Speakers: My-Ngoc Nguyen, SANS Principal Instructor Attending Option(s): In-Person and Live Online* In this session, we will explore cutting-edge trends, from the rise of AI-driven attacks to the complexities of securing remote workforces, and present actionable strategies for mitigating and...

*Live Online attendees must register by clicking here

Back to Basics: The Indispensable Role of Cybersecurity Fundamentals in a Complex World

Speakers: Rich Greene, SANS Certified Instructor Candidate Attending Option(s): In-Person In this engaging talk, Rich Greene, will explore why specific foundational elements are more critical than ever. Drawing on real-world examples and personal experiences, Rich will illustrate how neglecting...

Featured Courses

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

SEC504™: Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Incident Handling™

Major Update

FOR508™: Advanced Incident Response, Threat Hunting, and Digital Forensics™

SEC301: Introduction to Cyber Security™

FOR578: Cyber Threat Intelligence™

ICS410: ICS/SCADA Security Essentials™

Major Update

FOR500: Windows Forensic Analysis™

See All Courses at CDI

CDI Bonus Sessions

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

Date/Time: Mon, Dec 16 & Tues, Dec 17 | 6:30pm – 9:30pm ET (UTC-4) Attendance Options: In-Person

Tournament of Champions | Invitation-only

Date/Time: Mon, Dec 16 & Tues, Dec 17 | 6:30pm – 9:30pm ET (UTC-4) Attendance Options: In-Person

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 2024

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.

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

Let's Get Social!

Let colleagues know that you're gearing up for an incredible experience filled with cutting-edge insights, networking opportunities, and valuable learning. Download & share the 'I'm Attending' image to post on your social channels!

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Event Venue Details - The Washington Hilton

Hotel Address Washington Hilton Washington, DC, US and Virtual - ET Fri, Dec 13 - Wed, Dec 18, 2024 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, 2024.

To make a regular reservation To make a government per diem reservation

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