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SANS Institute description
SANS Institute is a renowned cybersecurity training provider offering courses and certifications for security professionals of all levels. Their training features hands-on exercises and is taught by experienced practitioners, focusing on practical skills applicable to real-world threats. SANS also offers security awareness training programs to educate employees about cybersecurity risks and best practices.
Who is SANS Institute best for
SANS Institute offers high-quality cybersecurity training and certifications ideal for professionals of all levels. The hands-on exercises and expert instruction are praised for their practicality, though the cost can be a concern for smaller organizations. SANS also provides security awareness training to educate employees about best practices.
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Ideal for medium to large enterprises (101+ employees) seeking to enhance cybersecurity skills.
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Suitable for businesses across all industries concerned with cybersecurity training and certification.
SANS Institute features
| Supported SANS Institute offers hands-on cybersecurity labs and cyber ranges for practical skills development. |
| Supported SANS Institute offers training aligned with GIAC cybersecurity certifications. |
| Supported SANS Institute offers penetration testing training with hands-on exercises and simulations. |
| Supported SANS Institute offers CTF-like exercises through Cyber Ranges and NetWars, and hosts CTF events. |
| Supported SANS Institute offers training with practical exercises covering incident response procedures and methodologies. |
SANS Institute reviews
We've summarised 32 SANS Institute reviews (SANS Institute G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.
- High-quality, practical content created by industry experts.
- Engaging training methods with gamification and interactive modules.
- Comprehensive coverage of various cybersecurity topics and compliance requirements.
- Flexible training options: on-demand, self-paced, online, and in-person.
- Easy to search, preview, and download modules for internal use.
- High cost of training, especially for individuals and smaller organizations.
- Modules can be overwhelming for beginners or those unfamiliar with cybersecurity.
- Limited multilingual support, primarily English content with some subtitles.
- Training portal performance issues during peak usage times.
- Difficult integration with platforms other than their LMS (Litmos).
SANS Institute alternatives
Hack The BoxBetter suited for individuals and smaller businesses. Focuses on practical skills development through a simulated environment and a large global community. Has higher ratings and is growing faster. More affordable for users in countries with weaker currencies.Read more
Inspired eLearning Powered by VIPREMore suitable for training non-technical staff on security awareness. A SANS Institute alternative geared towards improving overall security posture through engaging content and user-friendly interface. Focuses on relatable learning experiences for broader audiences.Read more
SANS Developer TrainingMore specialized for developers seeking secure coding training. A better fit for medium-sized businesses.Read more
AppSec Labs eLearningMore hands-on with secure coding practices. Caters to all business sizes, especially software development and IT. Growing faster than SANS Institute.Read more
Cloud AcademyBetter for upskilling technical teams in cloud platforms and data skills. More suitable for organizations focused on employee training and development. A SANS Institute competitor focused on broader technology training, not just security.Read more
Proofpoint Security Awareness TrainingBetter suited for training non-technical staff on security awareness best practices. Has more website traffic momentum.Read more
SANS Institute FAQ
What is SANS Institute and what does SANS Institute do?
SANS Institute is a leading provider of cybersecurity training and certifications. They offer various courses, including penetration testing, incident response, and security awareness, featuring hands-on labs and taught by experts. SANS aims to equip professionals with practical skills to address real-world threats.
How does SANS Institute integrate with other tools?
SANS Institute integrates with its own Learning Management System (LMS), Litmos. However, users have reported difficulties integrating with platforms other than Litmos. More information on specific integrations is not readily available.
What the main competitors of SANS Institute?
Top alternatives to SANS Institute include Hack The Box, Inspired eLearning, and Cloud Academy. These platforms offer various cybersecurity training options, from hands-on labs to simulated phishing attacks, catering to diverse learning styles and organizational needs. Consider these alternatives for potentially more budget-friendly or specialized cybersecurity training solutions.
Is SANS Institute legit?
Yes, SANS Institute is a legitimate and highly regarded cybersecurity training organization. Known for its high-quality, practical training developed by experts, SANS offers various certifications and courses covering diverse cybersecurity domains. While expensive, many users find the training valuable for career advancement.
How much does SANS Institute cost?
SANS Institute does not publicly list pricing information for their training and certification programs. Contact them directly for product pricing and to determine if SANS Institute is worth it for you.
Is SANS Institute customer service good?
SANS Institute's customer service receives positive feedback. Users highlight the "first-class" and "top-notch" support, quick responsiveness, helpful advice, and accommodating approach. Reviewers consistently mention the team's availability and effectiveness in resolving issues.
Reviewed by
Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.
Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.