SANS Institute

Location
8120 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD
Website
https://www.sans.org/
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Upcoming SANS Institute Events

SANS 2026

Mar 29-Apr 3, 2026

Orlando, FL

SANS Institute

Boost your cybersecurity skills at SANS 2026! Immerse yourself in a week of immersive, distraction-fee, industry-leading training tailored to elevate your capabilities, whether you’re new to the field or looking to deepen your advanced expertise. Benefit from direct mentorship by top experts in the field through practical labs and real-world strategies, experiencing insights that only in-person engagement can provide.

 

Interact with esteemed SANS faculty and fellows, and access exclusive sessions available only to onsite attendees. Connect with a vibrant community of like-minded professionals, engage in enriching networking events and benefit from community-building efforts that are structured to enhance your professional network and forge impactful, enduring relationships.

Apr 15, 2026

Virtual / Online

Over the past few years, the cyber threat landscape has been defined by supply chain compromises, the targeting of cloud and SaaS environments, and the growing use of AI by both defenders and adversaries. At the same time, state-backed and geopolitically motivated operations and an increasingly professionalized cybercrime ecosystem are further increasing complexity. These developments reinforce that CTI serves a dual mission: enabling operational teams to detect, disrupt, and respond effectively, while also supporting executives and boards in making informed, risk-based decisions.

The 2026 SANS CTI Survey explores how CTI programs are addressing this full spectrum of needs.

What You’ll Learn

  • Ways CTI is delivering decision advantage at tactical, operational, and strategic levels
  • The challenges and opportunities introduced by AI, automation, and engineering
  • Emerging best practices for making CTI tasks more efficient and effective
  • The human aspect: skills, challenges, and perspectives of CTI analysts
  • The perceived value of CTI by strategic audiences as well as practical approaches to measuring ROI, maturity, and program effectiveness

Why Register? By registering, you’ll gain:

  • Actionable benchmarks to measure your organization against industry peers.
  • Practical strategies you can take back to your team immediately.
  • 3 CPE credits for attending.
  • Access to attend both live or the recorded session on your own time.
  • Exclusive access to the full 2026 SANS CTI Survey Insights Report once published.

Apr 21, 2026

Virtual / Online

Artificial intelligence is transforming how security teams detect threats, automate response, and make critical decisions—but effective adoption requires more than just powerful tools. This Solutions Track session explores real-world approaches to applying AI in cybersecurity programs, focusing on how to move from theory to measurable impact.

The discussion will highlight proven methods for integrating AI into existing workflows, improving threat visibility, and enhancing analyst efficiency without sacrificing oversight or trust. Attendees will also gain insight into emerging challenges such as model transparency, data protection, and ethical implementation. Whether you’re evaluating AI-driven security products or building your own, this session will provide practical guidance on how to responsibly leverage AI to strengthen cyber resilience and empower human expertise.

Why Register?

  • Expert-led Sessions 
  • Flexible Attendance (Attend live or watch on your own time) 
  • On-Demand Access (Revisit sessions and download presentations at your convenience) 
  • Connect with Industry Leaders 
  • Build Your Professional Network 
  • Earn CPE Credits

May 11-16, 2026

New Orleans, LA

Fast-track your success with an intensive week of top-tier training at SANS Security Central 2026. Whether you're just starting or sharpening advanced skills, this event is built to elevate your expertise with hands-on labs, real-world techniques, and guidance from some of the best minds in cybersecurity. You'll leave not just better prepared but armed with certifications that set you apart.

 

In a field that never stands still, staying ahead is more than important—it’s a necessity. This is more than just training; it’s your chance to transform your career, deepen your knowledge, and connect with a network of industry leaders who share your passion for growth and innovation.

May 11-16, 2026

San Diego, CA

Fast-track your success with an intensive week of top-tier training at SANS Security West 2026. Whether you're just starting or sharpening advanced skills, this event is built to elevate your expertise with hands-on labs, real-world techniques, and guidance from some of the best minds in cybersecurity. You'll leave not just better prepared but armed with certifications that set you apart.

 

In a field that never stands still, staying ahead is more than important—it’s a necessity. This is more than just training; it’s your chance to transform your career, deepen your knowledge, and connect with a network of industry leaders who share your passion for growth and innovation.

May 12, 2026

Virtual / Online

Discover how to effectively incorporate AI and machine learning into your SOC detection engineering workflows.

 

SANS Senior Instructor, Christopher, Crowley, will break down practical approaches to staffing, process design, and technology integration that help teams move from theory to operational impact. Learn how to “shape and make” AI/ML enhanced detections that strengthen your defensive posture. And stick around for a surprise bonus: a Hurricane Katrina history quiz that ties past lessons to modern resilience!

May 21, 2026

Virtual / Online

Discover how to effectively incorporate AI and machine learning into your SOC detection engineering workflows.

 

SANS Senior Instructor, Christopher, Crowley, will break down practical approaches to staffing, process design, and technology integration that help teams move from theory to operational impact. Learn how to “shape and make” AI/ML enhanced detections that strengthen your defensive posture. And stick around for a surprise bonus: a Hurricane Katrina history quiz that ties past lessons to modern resilience!

Jun 1-6, 2026

Arlington, VA

Get ready for an unforgettable learning experience designed to sharpen and expand your network. At this immersive training event, you'll learn directly from world-renowned SANS instructors, participate in interactive workshops, and connect with fellow professionals who share your passion for cybersecurity excellence. From dynamic hands-on sessions to exclusive evening receptions, this is your all-access pass to personal and professional growth. 

Jun 9, 2026

Virtual / Online

AI, ransomware, and Living Off The Land (LOTL) attacks are reshaping the cyber battlefield—and critical infrastructure is now ground zero. Adversaries know our PLCs, industrial protocols, and safety systems, turning legitimate tools into weapons that can disrupt real-world processes.

 

To fight back, defenders need ICS-specific visibility, detection, and response powered by both human expertise and AI-driven analytics.

 

The ICS Solutions Track 2026 in June, chaired by Principal Instructor author, Dean Parsons, brings this defense to life with live on-screen demos, and case studies mapped to the SANS Five ICS/OT Cybersecurity Critical Controls and other industry frameworks.

 

Top ICS/OT vendors will showcase cutting-edge tools for anomaly detection, ransomware containment, and engineering-aware industrial ICS/OT incident response—proving how defenders can protect the systems that make, move, and power our world.

Jun 17, 2026

Virtual / Online

Join us for the exclusive release of the 10th annual SANS SOC Survey — the definitive global benchmark on how Security Operations Centers are evolving in a rapidly shifting cyber threat landscape.

 

Now celebrating a decade of research, the 2026 SOC Survey offers unparalleled insights into how organizations are building, managing, and modernizing their cyber defense capabilities across industries and geographies.

 

Whether you're leading a SOC, evaluating tools, or building your security team, this event will equip you with the latest data, trends, and expert analysis to guide your next move.

 

What You’ll Learn

  • Key global trends in SOC structure, outsourcing, and operations
  • How organizations are integrating AI and machine learning into detection and response workflows
  • Top challenges facing SOC teams—from alert fatigue to staffing gaps
  • Satisfaction levels with current toolsets and where teams are investing next
  • Hiring, retention, and workforce composition benchmarks
  • Budget priorities and planned changes for 2026 and beyond
  • Practical takeaways for measuring, maturing, or modernizing your SOC

Why Register? By registering, you’ll gain:

  • Actionable benchmarks to measure your organization against industry peers.
  • Practical strategies you can take back to your team immediately.

Jun 22-27, 2026

Austin, TX

Unlock Your Cybersecurity Potential in Austin

Join an energizing and focused event that blends deep technical learning with meaningful connections. Whether you're new to cybersecurity or leveling up your expertise, this event gives you face time with top-tier instructors and peers from across the industry. Add hands-on labs, interactive receptions, and bonus networking opportunities, and you have a transformative week that goes far beyond the classroom.

Explore a course catalog tailored for ambitious professionals, covering everything from foundational frameworks to the latest in security innovation. Dive into topics like:

  • Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Incident Handling
  • Security Leadership Essentials for Managers
  • Cloud Native Security and DevSecOps Automation
  • Network Monitoring and Threat Detection In-Depth
    …and more.

This event creates an intimate, community-focused atmosphere allowing you to focus on learning in a distraction-free setting with your like-minded industry peers. Enjoy bonus after-class extras like hands-on workshops, and networking sessions that extend value far beyond the classroom.

Your evolution begins here. Join SANS and transform your future. 

Jul 13-18, 2026

Washington, DC

Fast-track your success with an intensive week of top-tier training at SANSFIRE 2026. Whether you're just starting or sharpening advanced skills, this event is built to elevate your expertise with hands-on labs, real-world techniques, and guidance from some of the best minds in cybersecurity. You'll leave not just better prepared but armed with certifications that set you apart.

 

In a field that never stands still, staying ahead is more than important—it’s a necessity. This is more than just training; it’s your chance to transform your career, deepen your knowledge, and connect with a network of industry leaders who share your passion for growth and innovation.

Jul 15, 2026

Virtual / Online

Four years after the public debut of ChatGPT, the cybersecurity landscape has entered a new phase—where AI is no longer just a tool, but a battleground.

The 2026 SANS AI Research Survey explores this unprecedented duality: the same generative AI technologies empowering defenders are equally leveraged by attackers. Security teams are now tasked with using AI to secure systems while simultaneously defending against AI-driven threats. 

In this exclusive event, we reveal key findings from the latest SANS research, diving into the real-world tactics, struggles, and successes organizations face as they draw from this shared AI wellspring. 

What You’ll Learn

  • How many teams have actually deployed AI in security operations?
  • Which use cases show results, and which have underdelivered?
  • Budget, staffing, and training trends for AI integration
  • Real-world examples of AI-enhanced attacks seen in the wild
  • Which defense strategies have succeeded (and failed) against them?
  • Patterns in attacker behavior powered by generative AI
  • Confidence levels in AI-generated decisions during threat detection and response
  • False positive rates, automation hesitations, and decision overruling
  • Human-AI collaboration friction points
  • How organizations balance investment between AI for defense and AI risk mitigation
  • Strategic shifts in response to evolving attacker capabilities 

Why Register? By registering, you’ll gain:

  • Actionable benchmarks to measure your organization against industry peers.
  • Practical strategies you can take back to your team immediately.
  • 3 CPE credits for attending.
  • Access to attend both live or the recorded session on your own time.
  • Exclusive access to the full 2026 SANS AI Survey Insights Report once published.

Jul 27-Aug 1, 2026

Nashville, TN

Unleash Elite Potential. Transform Your Career.

This is where high-impact training meets high-value connections. Learn alongside peers who are driven to lead, and take advantage of in-person extras like expert-led workshops, intimate networking receptions, and interactive problem-solving sessions. The energy is contagious—and the opportunity, unmatched. 

Innovative Courses, Industry-Leading Instructors

Whether you're refining your cybersecurity skill set or exploring cutting-edge solutions, you'll find the right course here. Explore tracks on:

  • Cybersecurity Tactics & Strategy
  • Advanced Control Implementation
  • Building a Secure Organizational Mindset
  • Translating Policy Into Practice
    …and more.

This is more than an event—it’s a deep dive into a supportive, distraction-free space built for growth and collaboration.

This event creates an intimate, community-focused atmosphere allowing you to focus on learning in a distraction-free setting with your like-minded industry peers. Enjoy bonus after-class extras like hands-on workshops, and networking sessions that extend value far beyond the classroom.

Your evolution begins here. Join SANS and transform your future.

Aug 10-15, 2026

New York, NY

Elevate Your Skills. Redefine the Cyber Game.

Dive into an immersive cyber security training experience at SANS New York 2026. Led by world-renowned instructors boasting extensive industry experience, this event offers live access to top experts in the field.

SANS New York 2026 is equipped with industry-leading hands-on labs, simulations, and exercises that you can immediately apply upon your return to work.

Innovative Courses, Industry-Leading Instructors

Choose from our menu of courses tailored for cybersecurity-seeking practitioners, from foundational skills to cutting-edge innovations, that dive deep into topics like:

  • Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Incident Handling
  • Security Leadership Essentials for Managers
  • Cloud Penetration Testing
  • ICS Visibility, Detection, and Response
    and many more!

This event creates an intimate, community-focused atmosphere allowing you to focus on learning in a distraction-free setting with your like-minded industry peers. Enjoy bonus after-class extras like hands-on workshops, and networking sessions that extend value far beyond the classroom.

Your evolution begins here. Join SANS and transform your future.

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