Hack for Good at GOhack25: CHF 5,262 for Kindernothilfe Switzerland

From 6–8 November, GOhack25 brought together security researchers, developers, companies and students at FFHS Zurich. To learn, hack and contribute to a good cause under this year’s theme: “Cybersecurity. Community. Collaboration.”

What is GOhack?

Launched by GObugfree in 2023, GOhack was designed to make cybersecurity more accessible and bridge the gap between technical experts and decision-makers. In just three years, it has evolved into one of the most diverse cybersecurity events in Switzerland.

GOhack combines three key elements:

Hands-on Challenges: Ethical hackers test real systems from 13 program partners over two days — supported by a CHF 65,000 bounty pool, working openly, transparently and in direct exchange with the teams.

Technical Depth: Tech and business tracks offer deep insights into IT, OT and IoT security as well as practical approaches to strengthening cyber resilience.

Networking & Learning: At the symposium, in workshops and throughout networking sessions, valuable connections and cross-industry collaboration emerge.

GOhack turns cybersecurity into an experience, for seasoned professionals, emerging talent and everyone responsible for digital resilience.

More insights from the Symposium as well as the Educational Tracks & Live Bug Bounty Challenges are available in our detailed recaps.

Hack for Good: Where technology meets responsibility

Hack for Good, run jointly with RaiseNow, has been a key element of GOhack from the very beginning (see also the 2023 and 2024 recaps). The initiative connects technical expertise with social impact: For every verified vulnerability found by the ethical hacking community in a Hack for Good scope during the live bug bounty challenge, half of the bounty goes to a charitable organisation.

How Hack for Good works

During the Live Bug Bounty Challenge, ethical hackers test the systems of all 13 program partners. A subset of these programs, including RaiseNow and Koalect, is part of the Hack-for-Good initiative. Every verified vulnerability found in these scopes not only strengthens the security of the platforms but also increases the total donation amount.

As GObugfree Co-CEO Christina Kistler puts it: “Hack for Good has become a central element of GOhack. Every year we’re inspired by how the community uses its skills to strengthen cybersecurity while contributing to society.”

CHF 5,262 for Kindernothilfe Switzerland

This year’s donation went to Kindernothilfe Switzerland, an organisation that provides long-term support to children and families worldwide, from emergency relief to education and sustainable development projects.

We were especially pleased to see the ethical hacking community step up once again. Simon Reinhart donated all of his GOhack25 bounties, stating: “I would like to donate all my GOhack25 bounties from across all programs. I think this initiative is fantastic and I’m happy to support it.”

GObugfree, RaiseNow and Koalect each matched the Hack-for-Good amount, bringing the final total to CHF 5,262 in support of Kindernothilfe Switzerland.

A record year for security and community

The numbers from GOhack25 highlight the growing impact of the event:

• 50% more vulnerabilities reported than in 2024
• 25 researchers submitted findings
• veshraj was once again the top performer in the RaiseNow/Koalect scope

Whether in the Tech Track, the Business Track or during the Live Challenge, open, hands-on collaboration between companies and ethical hackers remained at the centre of the event.

Thank you, community!

Our warm thanks go to RaiseNow, Koalect, Kindernothilfe Switzerland, and of course to all the ethical hackers who contributed their time, expertise and energy.

GOhack25 once again shows that cybersecurity is a team effort. Together we can make a real difference!