homepage
Open menu
Contact Sales

SANS Cyber Defense Initiative 2024

Washington Hilton Washington, DC, US and Virtual - ET Fri, Dec 13 - Wed, Dec 18, 2024
Register for Your Course at CDI

Explore All That Cyber Defense Initiative 2024 has to Offer

SANS-Icons_Courses-Final-02.svg

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

SANS-Icons_LiveTraining_Final.svg

40+ Immersive Cybersecurity Training Courses

88x82_Skill_Assessments_Icons_Benefits_How_It_Works_FAQ_Cyber_Immersion_Academy2.png

Exclusive Alumni Receptions

88x82_Gov_CIS_Brochure_OLT_Computer_Gear_Kit_Deployment_Home3.png

Network with Global Leaders

Networking Icon

@Night Talks: Buzzing Industry Topics

SANS-Icons_Programs-Initiatives_Final.svg

Hands-on Workshops

GIAC Certification

30+ GIAC Certifications

88x82_Skill_Assessments_Icons_Benefits_How_It_Works_FAQ_Cyber_Immersion_Academy6.png

Core NetWars Tournament

Offer of the Year: SANS 35th Anniversary Cyber-Pro Bundle

Join us in-person at Cyber Defense Initiative 2024 and unlock an exclusive Cyber-Pro Power Bundle (a bonus $1950 value) — our best offer yet. This limited-time opportunity will elevate your skills and advance your career. Explore what’s included in the bundle below! CODE: CDICYBERPRO24 *Offer expires 11/11. While supplies last. To redeem your code, simply add the appropriate GIAC Certification + OnDemand Bundle to your cart before checking out.
GIAC Certifications
(1) Complimentary GIAC Certification Attempt
Validate your cybersecurity expertise and stand out in the industry with a globally recognized certification, proving your skills in defending against modern threats.
Inclusive of (2) Practice Tests
(2) Practice Tests Included
Maximize your success with (2) practice runs included with your GIAC certification attempt, designed to help assess your knowledge, refine your skills, and confidently prepare for exam day.
SANS OnDemand
4-Months of OnDemand Access
Extended flexibility to review course materials, labs, and quizzes at your own pace, anytime, anywhere, from your course author. The ultimate resource in preparing for your GIAC.
Morgan Adamski

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!

DATEEVENT

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

Looking to Attend Cyber Defense Initiative 2024? It's as Easy as 1-2-3!

1. Check out all that Cyber Defense Initiative 2024 Has to Offer 2. Select & register for Your Cyber Defense Initiative 2024 Course 3. Book Your Hotel & Travel Using SANS Exclusive Discount Codes
Register for Your CDI 2024 Course
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

Eric_Johnson_370x370.png
Breaking the Kubernetes Kill Chain: Host Path Mount
Date: Sunday, December 15th Time: 6:45pm – 7:45pm Eastern Time 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...
Read more
Seth Misenar Headshot
AI & Cybersecurity: 2024 Review and Strategic Insights for 2025
Date: Sunday, December 15th Time: 7:45pm – 8:45pm Eastern Time 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....
Read more
My-Ngoc_Nguyen_340x340.png
Cybersecurity at the Crossroads: Trends, Challenges, and Leadership Solutions
Date: Monday, December 16th Time: 7:15pm – 8:15pm Eastern Time 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...
*Live Online attendees must register by clicking here
Rich Greene
Back to Basics: The Indispensable Role of Cybersecurity Fundamentals in a Complex World
Date: Tuesday, December 17th Time: 7:15pm – 8:15pm Eastern Time 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...
Read more

    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 2024. 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

        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.

        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
          CDI 2024 - Lets Get Social

          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!

          Download

          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