A leading Albanian cybersecurity expert has received one of the industry’s highest international recognitions after being named Cybersecurity Woman of the World 2026, becoming the first Albanian to earn the title.

Esmeralda Kazia, Chief Technology Officer for Operational Technology (OT), Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Automation at Albania’s state-owned power corporation KESH, was honored during an international ceremony organized by the United Cybersecurity Alliance in Austria. The event brought together cybersecurity leaders, government officials, academics and technology professionals from more than 30 countries.

Kazia has spent more than a decade working in cybersecurity, previously serving in leadership positions within Albania’s National Cyber Security Authority, where she helped oversee national cyber defense and incident response operations. Her work focuses on protecting critical infrastructure, including energy systems and industrial networks.

Following the award, Kazia said the recognition represents a responsibility rather than a destination.” Cybersecurity is not about protecting technology. It is about protecting trust.” – she said in an interview.

She added that the honor strengthens her commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and supporting the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

According to organizers, this year’s awards received more than 5,000 nominations from around the world, recognizing outstanding women across multiple cybersecurity categories.