AWS Empowers Global Security Culture at Wicked6 Cyber Games
Wicked6 Cyber Games 2025 brought hundreds of women together worldwide from March 28–30 to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges through e-sports experiences. Sponsored by Amazon Web Services (AWS), this dynamic virtual competition helped attendees learn and grow in the field of cybersecurity.
This year's event was a huge success, with 72 hours of women talking about cybersecurity, 11 cybersecurity games, and an attack and defense tournament streamed live. The weekend-long event highlighted the value of immersive learning while investing in the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.
Wicked6 is now in its sixth year and has established itself as more than just a competition—it's become a cornerstone in building a collaborative security community. The Women's Society of Cyberjutsu, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that promotes training, mentoring, and advancement of women and girls in cybersecurity careers, has co-hosted the event since its inception.
This year's theme was leveling up, and the virtual format enabled unprecedented global participation with 31 speakers and over 500 participants of all skill levels from 48 countries. The event kicked off with an upbeat introduction from Wicked6 emcee Kristin Demoranville, founder and CEO of AnzenSage, Jessica Gulick, Executive Director of Wicked6 and founder of Cyber Esports Foundation, and Mari Galloway, CEO of Women's Society of Cyberjutsu.
The trio emphasized the importance of programs like Wicked6 that provide women with space and opportunities to learn and grow, strengthen our confidence, and celebrate each other's contributions to the cybersecurity community.
Keynotes and Technical Sessions
Keynote speakers from Africa, Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the US resonated with the multinational participants. Topics ranged from hacking and protecting AI in the age of large language models (LLMs) to drawing inspiration from science fiction novels, with an eye toward boosting skills.
A presentation focused on safeguarding Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) buckets by two AWS women in security, Customer Incident Response Team (CIRT) Responder Jennifer Paz and Worldwide Specialist in Security Consulting Rohan Mehta, highlighted the importance of cybersecurity in the cloud.
Collaboration and Mentorship
By combining technical challenges with mentorship and collaboration, Wicked6 helped participants work together to upskill and address tomorrow's challenges. Gulick highlighted the event's impact, stating "Wicked6 2025 was a success. Each year, women from all over the world join us for speakers, games, and networking."
Mari Galloway, CEO of Women's Society of Cyberjutsu, emphasized the importance of continuous learning in the cybersecurity field. "It's important as women and as cybersecurity professionals not to get comfortable with the status quo. Leveling up means stepping out of our comfort zones and doing things that scare us."
AWS Commitment to Global Security Culture
AWS remains committed to strengthening global security culture through initiatives that promote active participation and partnership. This year's Wicked6 Cyber Games exemplified how the security community can encourage and support future leaders with collaborative learning experiences and foster a more resilient and adaptable workforce.
How AWS Sustains a Strong Culture of Security
For more information about AWS security culture, visit How AWS sustains a strong culture of security
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