The Wicked6 Cyber Games 2025 took place from March 28 to March 30, uniting hundreds of women from around the globe in a unique virtual environment. Sponsored by Amazon Web Services (AWS), this dynamic event aimed to equip participants with hands-on experience in tackling real-world cybersecurity challenges through e-sports competitions and collaborative learning.

Now in its sixth year, Wicked6 has transcended the boundaries of a mere competition, establishing itself as a vital platform for fostering a collaborative security community. Co-hosted by the Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing women and girls in cybersecurity, this year’s theme focused on “leveling up.” The virtual format facilitated notable global participation, engaging 31 speakers and over 500 attendees from 48 countries, representing various skill levels.

Keynotes and Sessions

The event commenced with a lively introduction from hosts Kristin Demoranville, Jessica Gulick, and Mari Galloway, who underscored the importance of initiatives like Wicked6 in providing women with opportunities to enhance their skills, build confidence, and recognize one another’s contributions to the cybersecurity field.

Speakers from diverse regions, including Africa, Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, captivated the audience with discussions on various topics such as the implications of large language models (LLMs) in cybersecurity and the value of drawing inspiration from science fiction to hone skills.

During her keynote, Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy at KnowBe4 Africa, was introduced by Hart Rossman from AWS, who acknowledged the significance of the connections formed during Wicked6. He remarked on the event’s potential to cultivate both soft and technical skills, reinforcing the notion that security requires community effort.

“At AWS, we recognize that security is a team sport. It’s about building community and raising the bar together, so we can overcome determined adversaries and make all of our customers, colleagues, and communities safer.” —Hart Rossman, Global Security Services Vice President at AWS

In addition to inspirational keynotes, technical sessions were held, including a presentation by AWS security experts Jennifer Paz and Shahna Campbell on securing Amazon S3 buckets. They shared insights into recent data encryption anomalies linked to malicious credential use and provided guidance on preventing such issues.

Gamified Learning

Wicked6 incorporated a distinctive gamified learning experience through AWS Jam, where individuals and teams competed in solving technical challenges in a cloud infrastructure setting. This approach heightened participants’ practical knowledge of AWS services and security best practices. Furthermore, attendees had access to an array of 11 cybergaming platforms, including Hack The Box and Haiku, which supported collaborative skill development.

One highlight was the AWS GameDay session, where experts guided participants through exercises focusing on network security and identity management. Feedback from participants highlighted the opportunity as a significant value-add, showcasing the importance of hands-on experience.

Investing in Tomorrow’s Security Leaders

AWS also extended its support by donating tickets to the MiDO Academy in South Africa, a program aimed at empowering youth by providing them with pathways to employment in cybersecurity. Dale Simons, the Academy’s CEO, expressed gratitude: “The sponsored tickets from AWS didn’t just provide access to training—they gave our students entry into a global security community. Our young women now see themselves as part of a larger security mission, understanding that their contributions to cybersecurity can have worldwide impact.”

The integration of technical challenges with mentorship at Wicked6 served as a valuable initiative toward upskilling participants. Gulick emphasized the event’s success in creating networking opportunities and reinforcing the benefits of learning through cybersecurity gaming.

Pursuing the Path to Success

As cyber threats continue to advance, AWS is dedicated to enhancing global security culture through initiatives that promote collaboration and active participation. The Wicked6 Cyber Games 2025 illustrated how the cybersecurity community can support and nurture future leaders, strengthening a more resilient workforce equipped to meet evolving challenges.

For more insights on AWS’s security culture, visit AWS Security.