Earlier this month, Albanians in IT (AiT) brought together two inspiring voices from the Albanian tech diaspora for a deep discussion on security, governance, and the evolving role of engineers in an AI-driven world.
The June virtual meetup focused on how AI is reshaping security operations and how business-built (low-code and no-code) apps are creating new challenges for oversight and compliance.
From alert fatigue to AI Agents: Reinventing the SOC
Effy Lm, Cyber Security Operations Engineer at Microsoft, opened the session by sharing her journey from traditional Security Operations Center (SOC) workflows to AI-enhanced threat detection.
Drawing from her work on Microsoft Security Copilot, she explained how AI agents are reducing noise, automating investigations, and transforming how analysts interact with massive volumes of security data. From triaging threats within hours (vs. days) to simulating future attacks, Effy emphasized a key shift: the SOC is no longer reactive, it’s becoming predictive.
“AI doesn’t replace the human. It amplifies them. Think of it as five more teammates working beside you.”
She also walked through a powerful case study on how automation could have drastically reduced the impact of the 2022 cyberattack on Albania, underscoring the importance of readiness, tooling, and international collaboration.
Low-Code, High Risk? Building Guardrails for AI-Built Apps
Next, Antigoni Kourou, Founder of Amsterdam-based Nekod, dove into the rapid rise of low-code and no-code platforms, and the governance gaps they’re leaving behind.
Her startup helps regulated industries (like banks) stay compliant when employees build internal tools using platforms like Zapier, Bubble, or Microsoft Power Platform. She highlighted risks such as:
- Shadow AI development outside of IT control
- Sensitive data exposure due to misconfigured flows
- Lack of audit trails or SDLC principles in no-code tools
“We’re entering a phase of shadow AI 2.0. Business users are building tools faster than enterprises can govern them.”
With projections showing 500M+ new apps built by 2028, she stressed the need for visibility, risk assessments, and policy enforcement. Neko, backed by Techstars and working with ABN AMRO as a design partner, is leading the charge to bring governance to this new frontier of software creation.
Joined by AI Albania
To close the session, Dr. Marjana Prifti Skenduli, a postdoctoral researcher in quantum AI/ML and founder of AI Albania, introduced the institute’s mission to connect Albania with global research and industry trends in artificial intelligence.
Her remarks launched a new partnership between AI Albania and Albanians in IT, aimed at:
- Strengthening collaboration across diaspora and local ecosystems
- Supporting knowledge-sharing on AI governance, policy, and standards
- Empowering Albanian talent in emerging technologies
We are committed to showcasing Albania’s exceptional talent and creating meaningful bridges to the global community, opening doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and growth for the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders.
This marks a step forward in building a research-to-industry pipeline that spans borders, from academic AI to enterprise adoption.
Closing note
With 15+ speakers across 8+ countries since its launch, AiT aims to amplify senior Albanian professionals in tech, product, and startups.
“The mission is simple: bring value, share knowledge, and build across borders. One conversation at a time.”
If you’re a senior professional of Albanian origin working in tech or startups, join us:
👉 albaniansinit.com/how-to-join
Albanians In IT 
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