SANS Institute

Objective: SANS Institute is one of the most recognized leaders in cybersecurity training, certification, and research, dedicated to improving the security skills of individuals globally. It focuses on empowering professionals with practical knowledge and hands-on experience to combat a range of cybersecurity threats.

Key Points:

• SANS offers a broad array of cybersecurity training programs designed for all levels of expertise, from entry-level to advanced professionals. This includes training on topics such as security operations, incident response, penetration testing, and more.
• The Institute's training is highly practical, emphasizing real-world scenarios that allow professionals to immediately apply their learning to their work environments.
• With more than 165 countries served, SANS provides flexible training options, including online, live streaming, and in-person classes at training events held globally.
• SANS is highly regarded for its certifications, such as GIAC (Global Information Assurance Certification), which are recognized worldwide and valued by employers across the cybersecurity industry.

Mission Statement: SANS Institute’s mission is to provide the world’s top cybersecurity training and certifications to individuals and organizations in order to secure digital infrastructures against an ever-evolving threat landscape. SANS equips professionals with the skills needed to safeguard critical systems and protect sensitive data.

Notable Courses:

• GSEC: SANS Security Essentials – Provides foundational knowledge of network security, encryption, and other key topics.
• GCIH: Certified Incident Handler – Focuses on skills needed to handle and respond to cybersecurity incidents.
• GCIA: Certified Intrusion Analyst – Offers training on network intrusion detection and prevention techniques.
• GCFA: Certified Forensic Analyst – Focuses on digital forensics and incident investigation.

ICS & OT Security: SANS has also become a leader in Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity. Recognizing the unique challenges of securing these critical infrastructures, SANS offers specialized training and resources to address the vulnerabilities and threats facing ICS and OT systems.

State of ICS/OT Security: The SANS Institute's research on ICS/OT security continuously highlights the increasing number of cyberattacks targeting industrial sectors, including utilities, manufacturing, and energy. Their courses like ICS515 – ICS Visibility, Detection, and Response, teach professionals how to protect these essential systems and detect malicious activity within OT environments. SANS also publishes surveys and reports that outline the latest risks and provide actionable security measures for industries.

Overview: As critical infrastructures continue to face evolving cyber threats, SANS Institute plays a pivotal role in strengthening the cybersecurity posture of ICS and OT systems. With a range of targeted training and certifications, SANS equips professionals with the tools needed to secure industries such as energy, manufacturing, and transportation.

Key Offerings:

• ICS515: ICS Visibility, Detection, and Response: This course is specifically designed for professionals working with industrial control systems and OT networks. It focuses on monitoring, detecting, and responding to cyber threats in real-time, offering practical techniques for defending critical infrastructure.
• GIAC GICSP (Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional): This certification is ideal for individuals working in industrial cybersecurity roles, validating their knowledge in securing industrial control systems and related IT infrastructures.
• ICS/OT Resources: SANS offers a wide range of research reports, surveys, and webcasts, which explore the latest trends in ICS/OT cybersecurity, including best practices, emerging threats, and how to implement effective security protocols to safeguard critical infrastructure.

Collaboration & Research: SANS collaborates with industry experts and partners to provide cutting-edge research and insights. Their ICS/OT cybersecurity resources, including surveys, whitepapers, and threat intelligence reports, help organizations stay ahead of emerging risks and strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.

Mission: The core mission of SANS Institute in the ICS/OT space is to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to defend against the increasing number of cyber threats facing industrial control systems and critical infrastructure sectors. The Institute aims to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance overall security to ensure continuity of operations and the protection of valuable assets.

Key Statistics:

• ICS attacks are on the rise, with more advanced cyber actors targeting critical infrastructure systems.
• SANS research shows that many organizations still lack sufficient visibility into their OT environments, which is a critical gap in defending against cyberattacks.
• The Institute's training is instrumental in closing these gaps by educating professionals on how to monitor, respond to, and mitigate potential attacks on ICS/OT systems.

Additional Resources: SANS Institute also offers the SANS ICS Security Summit and Training events, which bring together experts and practitioners from across the globe to discuss the latest trends, technologies, and strategies for securing industrial environments. These events provide in-depth discussions on ICS/OT risks and provide practical takeaways that can be applied in real-world scenarios.

Overview: SANS Institute is not only a leader in cybersecurity training but also a trusted provider of cutting-edge research and threat intelligence. Their resources help organizations understand and respond to the rapidly evolving threat landscape by providing actionable intelligence, expert analysis, and hands-on techniques.

Key Resources:

• Threat Intelligence Reports: SANS regularly publishes threat intelligence reports that provide insights into the latest cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. These reports are compiled from global data sources and analyzed by cybersecurity experts.
• Research Papers: The Institute conducts in-depth research on a variety of topics, including emerging attack techniques, threat actor tactics, and the latest cybersecurity tools and technologies. These research papers are shared with the community to help organizations enhance their security posture.
• Incident Response and Forensics: SANS also offers a wealth of resources related to incident response, including training, whitepapers, and guides on how to effectively respond to and recover from cyber incidents. Their expertise in digital forensics is critical for organizations investigating breaches or attacks.

Mission: SANS aims to provide the global cybersecurity community with actionable threat intelligence and in-depth research to help organizations defend against cybercrime and protect their critical assets. Their research informs training, policy development, and the creation of new cybersecurity tools to strengthen defenses.

Key Initiatives:

• Cybersecurity Awareness Training: Beyond technical training, SANS promotes the importance of cybersecurity awareness in every organization, offering materials to educate staff on security best practices and how to identify common threats such as phishing attacks.
• Advanced Threat Intelligence: SANS provides advanced threat intelligence capabilities for organizations, offering real-time monitoring of threat actors and actionable intelligence feeds to enhance security operations and incident response capabilities.