5 Advantages of Taking Your Next Blue Team Course via SANS OnDemand

by SANS Blog on March 29, 2020

There’s a lot going on in the world right now, but one thing that many experts seem to agree on is that now is the time for the cybersecurity community to be vigilant. Attacks are on the rise and it’s never been more important to keep your skills sharp and ready to defend.

If you’re a cyber defender trying to determine if you should take your next SANS course online via our OnDemand platform or wait until we’re all able to travel and take training in person, we have some guidance that could help.

SANS OnDemand courses are the perfect option for students who want the comprehensive content of a SANS course with the flexibility to train without the need to travel or take time away from work. Students also benefit from having complete control over the pace of their learning and will have expert GIAC-certified SMEs to support them every step of the way. OnDemand courses are taught by the same great SANS instructors who teach our in-person courses, and you can take them via your desktop, laptop, iPad or tablet.

Especially in times like these, when many are confined to their homes or restricted for travel, SANS OnDemand is a terrific option to get the cybersecurity training you need, from the comfort of your own home.

Sponsorships Available

What SANS Blue Team Operations courses are available from SANS OnDemand?

SEC450: Blue Team Fundamentals: Security Operations and Analysis
SEC455: SIEM Design & Implementation
SEC487: Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Gathering and Analysis
SEC503: Intrusion Detection In-Depth
SEC505: Securing Windows and PowerShell Automation
SEC506: Securing Linux/Unix
SEC511: Continuous Monitoring and Security Operations
SEC530: Defensible Security Architecture and Engineering
SEC545: Cloud Security Architecture and Operations
SEC555: SIEM with Tactical Analytics

Did you know that we offer free hour-long course previews for more than 45 SANS courses? Test drive any of the above blue team OnDemand courses by visiting sans.org/demo

Here are 5 advantages to taking your next blue team course via SANS OnDemand.

1. Four months of content, available 24/7

You’ll have access to your course content at any time during this flexible, self-paced training.

SANS OnDemand was designed to give you anytime, anywhere access to effectively retain your course material. You will have four (4) months from the date your course is activated to complete your OnDemand course.

“The OnDemand platform couldn’t have been more convenient – having four months to complete my course allowed me to balance work, life, and training well.”
-Jill Fraser, Jeffco

2. Lectures, quizzes, hands-on exercises, and virtual labs

Along with 24/7 access to course content, you’ll also have access to all instructor lectures, class exercises, and the virtual labs associated with each module. With the ability to rewind, revisit, and review complex or difficult topics, you’ll have plenty of time to master the content and reinforce what you’ve learned through real-world, hands-on exercises.

3. Access to GIAC-certified subject-matter experts

SANS subject-matter experts (SMEs) are available at any point during your training to answer any questions you may have and to help break down complex topics. Accessible via online chat, our SMEs are there to ensure your success as a student and build your confidence with understanding and ultimately mastering the content.

4. Course media and course progress reports

The SANS OnDemand platform is designed to give you ultimate control of your training experience, and everything you need to be a successful student is included with your course. You’ll receive your lectures and virtual labs, and hands-on exercises are available online at any time during your training. Also, regular course progress reports help you stay on track, pick up where you left off, and plan your training schedule accordingly.

5. GIAC Prep

OnDemand courses are also a great way to help you prepare for a GIAC certification attempt. With extended access to course content, you’ll have plenty of time to review and master the course material and study for the associated GIAC exam with confidence.

“I’m at home taking the online class but I feel like I’m there in the room. I don’t feel isolated at all. I just have access to my comforts while taking the class.”
Deona Vastine, State of California

In addition to the above five advantages, students of SANS OnDemand also benefit from having no travel costs and minimal impact on your normal routine. Join the more than 97,000 students worldwide who have successfully taken SANS Online training.

If you haven’t yet done so, take a FREE demo of our 10 OnDemand Blue Team courses at sans.org/demo for help deciding which one is right for you. Our demos are delivered via the SANS OnDemand platform and give you a close look at a course’s content, pace, and features. If you’re ready to start your OnDemand course now, register here.