Nation-state hackers exposed | AI, APT tracing & predictive cyber defence

About this episode

Most cyber defences are waiting for an alert - by the time it rings, it’s often too late. What if you could trace the attack before it happens?

In this episode, Drilon Balaj - founder of XY CYBER and creator of the MOLE predictive threat-intelligence platform – reveals how his team hunts nation-state adversaries, tracks advanced persistent threats (APTs), and applies AI and large language models to transform defence from reactive to proactive.

Drilon’s global journey spans Kosovo, the U.S., Dubai and Israel - working with governments, start-ups and innovation ecosystems to train hundreds of future defenders and build cyber resilience from scratch.

🔥 What you’ll discover: The evolution of malware and how nation-state actors now operate at scale Why most defenders still play catch-up and how to flip the script Real-world insights into predictive cyber-defence: signals, false flags, and what “anticipating the breach” really means How AI & LLMs (large language models) are being weaponised and how they can empower defenders The stealth tactics of APT groups, and the subtle behaviours you can monitor before an attack Kosovo’s rise as a cyber power-centre, global partnerships and talent pipelines Why managing the external attack surface is now one of your most critical defences and how XY CYBER’s MOLE solution fits into that strategy

Perfect for: CISOs, red/blue/purple teamers, intelligence professionals, product & security leaders, founders and anyone serious about turning cyber risk into business advantage.

👋 Jay Adamson and Warren Atkinson welcome you to the SECURE | CYBER CONNECT Podcast, where we’re joined by Information and Cyber Security, Technology, and Talent Acquisition professionals who share their journeys, unique perspectives, and offer valuable advice and guidance.

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