SANS Surge 2026

Building Cybersecurity Resilience and Leadership in San Diego

SANS Surge is designed to train defenders to hold steady where others shift. Cybersecurity is a profession defined by constant stress, shifting threats, and relentless pressure—requiring more than technical skills. Defenders need readiness, resilience, and confidence to lead when others falter. Inspired by San Diego's seismic resilience, this flagship SANS event equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and mindset to thrive under pressure and radiate strength across missions and teams.

Why Attend SANS Surge 2026

Practical Cybersecurity Training: Learn from world-class SANS practitioners—experts who've defended systems at the highest stakes and now bring their experience to the classroom.

Hands-On Labs & Immersive Simulations: Test skills in realistic labs and exercises mimicking real-world stress and pressure, learning to respond with clarity and confidence when it matters most.

Thought Leadership & Workshops: Join in-person talks, panels, and deep-dive workshops exploring habits, mental strength, and leadership required to stay grounded in high-pressure situations beyond technical skills.

Comprehensive Courseware & Extended Access: Walk away with premium courseware plus four months of recorded session access for ongoing reinforcement and continuous learning.

GIAC Certification Opportunities: Validate readiness with industry-recognized credentials—most courses align with GIAC certifications employers trust worldwide.

NetWars & Networking: Compete in CORE NetWars tournaments, connect with peers, and build relationships extending learning beyond the classroom.

Earn CPE Credits: Advance professional standing by earning Continuing Professional Education credits with every course.

Conference Philosophy

At SANS Surge 2026, participants don't just learn new skills—they build stamina, confidence, and resilience. These qualities transform cybersecurity practitioners into leaders capable of maintaining composure and effectiveness when threats intensify and pressure mounts. The event emphasizes developing both technical capabilities and the mental fortitude essential for sustained excellence in cybersecurity defense.

Event Highlights

Welcome Reception: Grounded Connections

Just as San Diego has learned to build with strength in a seismic landscape, Surge begins by helping participants build relationship foundations. The opening night reception connects attendees with peers, instructors, and industry leaders in settings designed to ground the week with community, enabling idea sharing, connection formation, and collaboration anchoring.

NetWars: Pressure-Test Your Readiness

In cybersecurity, stress is constant—and the ability to hold steady defines impact. NetWars at Surge recreates high-pressure environments, challenging participants to stay composed and effective when the ground shifts beneath them. Compete solo or with teammates, proving skills in scenarios demanding clarity, resilience, and quick action under stress.

What to Expect

SANS Surge delivers comprehensive cybersecurity training combining technical skill development with resilience building and leadership cultivation. Through expert-led courses, hands-on simulations, thought leadership sessions, and competitive exercises, participants develop capabilities to defend systems effectively while maintaining composure under relentless pressure. The San Diego setting and seismic resilience theme reinforce the conference's focus on building defenders who remain steady when others falter.