The Demand for Skilled Cybersecurity Professionals Outpaces Supply
With 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity job vacancies worldwide, organizations are struggling to find skilled professions. Competition is fierce – a single job posting can receive hundreds of thousands of applicants, making it harder than ever to stand out.
Differentiate Yourself with Hands-On Experience
In a high-stakes field like cybersecurity, organizations need professionals who do more than understand security concepts—they must be able to execute them under pressure. While degrees and certifications hold value, employers prioritize candidates with proven, real-world experience.
✔ Employer Preferences: Surveys consistently show that organizations rate hands-on experience above all other factors when evaluating new hires.
✔ Educational Gaps: Up to 80% of hiring managers believe a four-year degree does not adequately prepare students for cybersecurity jobs, emphasizing the need for practical, hands-on learning environments.*
SANS Hands-On Training & Skill Validation: Be Ready for Real-World Cyber Threats
Without hands-on practice, cybersecurity skills fade—leaving professionals unprepared to defend against real-world threats. SANS hands-on training and GIAC skill validation ensure you develop the practical expertise organizations demand, keeping you sharp and job-ready.
Cyber threats evolve rapidly, and defenders must be able to act with confidence. This blog explores why hands-on learning and skill validation are essential—and how SANS | GIAC provide an interactive experience to help professionals build, test, and prove their cybersecurity capabilities in real-world scenarios.
Hands-On Training Built into SANS Courses
Deepen Your Understanding
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GIAC CyberLive: Prove Your Cybersecurity Expertise in Real-World Scenarios
Hands-on training builds real-world cybersecurity skills—but how do you prove them to employers? GIAC CyberLive takes certification beyond theory, validating your ability to apply cybersecurity knowledge in live, interactive environments. You'll work directly with real systems, tools, and networks, completing multi-step challenges that test your ability to analyze, respond, and problem-solve under real-world conditions.
Cyber Resilience Begins with Leadership: Executive Cybersecurity Exercises
In a moment of crisis, coordination between leaders and strategic teams must be seamless. Practice your organization's cyber crisis response through realistic simulations or tabletop exercises to prepare for high-stakes decision-making, define team roles and responsibilities, meet industry compliance requirements, and more. Gain the practical experience needed to lead with confidence when it matters most.
Not sure which hands-on training or certification is right for you? Let SANS help you to take the next step. Whether you're building technical expertise, validating skills, or preparing for leadership, our experts will guide you toward the right path. Connect with us to get started.