Conference program
AIPIO is in the process of creating an adept and engaging program for the Conference.
This program page has been designed to be explored using the filters - use the check boxes to select by either Conference subtheme/s,OR topics (as many as you like!) to browse the sessions that are most relevant to you.
This program is subject to change.
Accountability is a crucial aspect of the intelligence profession, underpinning the social contract and operational benefits of a robust intelligence profession. Intelligence professionals are accountable for their actions and decisions and that accountability helps to maintain public and employer trust and confidence in the intelligence enterprise. Additionally, accountability helps to ensure that intelligence activities, especially emerging practices, meet future operational requirements and are conducted within the bounds of the law and ethical standards.
Intelligence leads to an ability to determine the type of bomb the villain will use. Technology can now take that prediction and demonstrate the results in the real world – without causing the damage. This capability both verifies the value of the intelligence and makes security and response more intelligence-led.
Opportunity analysis arose from the alternate analysis movement that brought intelligence officers and decision makers closer together following 9/11. It offers a practical way to add value to our intelligence support activities by identifying opportunities, means, benefits, consequences, and risks associated with a pre-determined course of action while steering clear of policy prescription.
The application of generative AI to intelligence operations introduces both opportunities and challenges in the realm of open-source intelligence (OSINT). On one hand, generative AI can be weaponised by hostile intelligence operators to manipulate and exploit OSINT for nefarious purposes, such as creating fake personas, generating disinformation campaigns, and spreading propaganda to deceive and influence target audiences. These tactics pose significant risks to national security, democratic institutions, and public trust, as misinformation and fake content can undermine public discourse, sow discord, and incite conflict. On the other hand, OSINT tools and techniques can be used to detect, monitor, and mitigate the spread of disinformation and malicious activities. By including OSINT tools and techniques, individuals and organisations can enhance their ability to identify and counter hostile intelligence operations, safeguarding against misinformation campaigns and preserving the integrity of online information ecosystems.
Using Open Source Intelligence, Cybercrime Atlas community members collaborate to map the cybercrime landscape, criminal operations, networks, and infrastructure. Cybercrime Atlas supports disruption of cybercriminal activities by providing actionable research to its members.
The Cybercrime Atlas community is made up of organisations who have a key role in identifying and disrupting cybercriminal operations. As the Cybercrime Atlas grows, it will act as a source for evidence-based recommendations for improvements to public policy. It will also produce practical guidance to enhance operational collaborations that counter cybercrime. This will make the internet a higher risk environment for cybercriminals.
This session will provide an overview of Cybercrime Atlas, the impact it is already having in the fight against cybercrime, and look to an optimistic future.
In an environment of dynamic strategic complexity, strong leadership at the working level is a critical enabler of a robust and adaptable intelligence profession. This tradecraft session explores a leadership blueprint for emerging and practising intelligence leaders. Dr Susan McGinty shares lessons from her own experience as an intelligence leader and a leadership development expert to highlight the key skill sets emerging and practising leaders in the intelligence profession need to inform timely and effective decision-making in a rapidly changing strategic environment.
The session will discuss the most important vertical and horizontal leadership skills required of intelligence leaders to remain adaptive and influential, and explore emotional intelligence as a core leadership capability for emerging and practicing leaders.
This case study draws on the author’s recent experience over the last three years working closely with Pacific Island Countries (PIC) in building the intelligence capability underpinning their development of national security policy and strategy.
Delve into the transformative concept of decision intelligence (DI) and its pivotal role as the future of advanced analytics in law enforcement. Decision intelligence represents a holistic framework that harnesses the synergy of data, technology, and human expertise to elevate decision-making within police agencies.
Throughout the session, we will explore the essential elements of decision intelligence, including its integration of data fusion, machine learning, and predictive analytics, to empower law enforcement agencies to optimize resource allocation, strategic planning, and operational tactics to increase overall departmental effectiveness.
There is an obvious tug of war between requirements for secrecy and transparency in intelligence, and this makes accountability in the profession a complex anatomy. Of course, when talking about accountability in intelligence, we are also talking about the perceived legitimacy of the profession being on the line. When legitimacy and accountability drop, so too does trust and confidence in assessments and decision making, which may result in strategic surprises, intelligence failures, and other unfortunate consequences. In a complex and rapidly evolving intelligence climate of threats, and in a seemingly busier time than ever, we will be exploring accountability to safeguard trust in intelligence and why it must underpin everything we do.
In this presentation, the speaker shares findings and experiences from a physical security penetration test conducted on a major electrical Independent System Operator (ISO) in the United States. The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of social engineering and human intelligence (HUMINT) techniques in infiltrating critical infrastructure. The speaker successfully breached not only the entire C-suite with listening devices and key loggers but also managed to penetrate control and operating rooms in plain sight.
The successful penetration test provides several key lessons for the intelligence community and security professionals. It emphasises the critical role of human factors in physical security, highlighting the need for employee awareness and training beyond technological safeguards. The ease with which social engineering was employed to gain access stresses the importance of comprehensive training for staff at all levels. The operation also underlines the value of fostering a strong security culture within organisations, encouraging vigilance and proactive reporting of suspicious activities. The test shows the need for a multi-layered approach to security, including physical barriers, access controls, surveillance, and personnel training. Regular security assessments and penetration tests are crucial for identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Sharing these insights aims to highlight the importance of a holistic approach to security and the need for continuous improvement in protecting critical infrastructure.
Phil is one of Australia's preeminent thought leaders in law enforcement, intelligence and national security.
For over 34 years in the Australian Federal Police, he played a key role in many of Australia's most important law enforcement programs and initiatives. He established multiagency intelligence capabilities in Australia's major airports; designed arrangements to set and manage Australia's counter terrorism priorities in the Counter Terrorism Control Centre; was instrumental in developing the Australian Criminal Intelligence Model; the strategic organisational design of the Australian Border Force; the Australian Federal Police, International Engagement 2020 and beyond; and the National Plan to Combat Cybercrime.
Phil is the President of the Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers and a member of the School of Justice Advisory Committee at the Queensland University of Technology.
Ben Kite was commissioned into the British Army’s Intelligence Corps in 1990, retiring in 2022 as a Major General. During his thirty-two year career he worked on intelligence, Security and Cyber issues both in the UK as well on deployments to Germany, the United States, Belize, Bosnia, Kosovo, South Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan. His last role was as Director Intelligence Interoperability in Defence Intelligence where he led the creation and implementation of Defence’s first Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance strategy and managed International Intelligence engagement, as well as interoperability with the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army.
Ben is currently working as a senior Defence, Intelligence and Security adviser for Kearney and primarily employed in the Middle East. He studies military history in his spare time and has published three books on the Second World War, as well as being elected a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He is also an honorary Professor at Brunel University, supporting their post-graduate Intelligence and Security Studies programme.
Helen McGarry, a seasoned intelligence professional, has an extensive career that spans multiple Intelligence agencies and disciplines across Australia, the UK, Europe, the Balkans, and the Middle East. Her wealth of experience positions her as a respected leader in the field.
In her current role as the Executive Manager of Intelligence and Predictive Services within the State Operations Directorate at the Queensland Fire Department (QFD), Helen is entrusted with the critical responsibility of overseeing the development, design, implementation, and leadership of the intelligence and predictions capability. This multifaceted role covers strategic, operational, and tactical domains related to Incident and Disaster Management.
Helen has demonstrated remarkable achievements in identifying and resolving critical organisational intelligence capability gaps. Her exceptional contributions were formally recognized by the Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers (AIPIO), which bestowed upon her the prestigious AIPIO Individual Award (2020/21). This award acknowledges her distinguished impact on the Australasian intelligence profession.
Helen has an impressive track record, having served in numerous military operational tours as an Intelligence Officer with both the British Army and the Australian Defence Force.
Don Williams holds qualifications in Security Management, Security Risk Management as well as Project and Resource Management. He is a Certified Protection Professional and a member of ASIS-International, the Institute of Explosive Engineers, the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (Distinguished Life Member), and the International Association of Protective Structures.
He served at the Australian Bomb Data Centre and was the Strategic Bomb Risk and Intelligence Officer for the 2000 Olympics and Paralympics for which he was awarded the Olympic Order of Merit. He has authored over 150 publications. He was awarded the Australian Security Medal by his peers for services to the profession. Don can be contacted on dsw57@internode.on.net
Brett is the Managing Director of Intelligent Futures Pty Ltd (www.ifutures.com.au) – a specialist management consultancy providing intelligence-led approaches for strategic planning.
Brett has over 45 years’ experience as a professional intelligence officer, including appointments across multiple domains of intelligence practice in Australia and overseas.
Brett has made a significant contribution as a thought leader in intelligence studies, developing scholarly articles and addressing national and international intelligence conferences.
Brett is a Fellow, Past President, and Life Member of the Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers (AIPIO), a Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Risk Management (ISRM), a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), a Member and former Board Member of the International Association for Intelligence Education (IAFIE), a Security Risk Management Certified Professional (SRMCP), and an Adjunct Fellow at Macquarie University.
Emerald is Head of OSINT Combine's Intelligence Services. With over a decade spent in Australian Federal Government security and intelligence, and a degree in counter terrorism studies, Emerald has a deep understanding of the value OSINT and other counter-operational measures offer to national security. Her extensive list of threat programs managed includes counter terrorism, counterintelligence, cyber security and insider threats. After 15 years in the intelligence industry , she remains a passionate member of the community, mentoring young OSINT professionals and contributing to shared industry knowledge at events and meetups.
Glenn Maiden is the Director of Threat Intelligence Operations at Fortinet’s FortiGuard Labs Australia and New Zealand. Using millions of global network sensors, FortiGuard Labs monitors the worldwide attack surface and employs artificial intelligence (AI) to mine that data for new threats, ensuring you are prepared for what's coming. Glenn’srole with FortiGuardLabs focuses on identifying and sharing threat intelligence to help organisations protect against current and emerging threats. Glenn has more than 25 years’ experience in different roles across the technology sector with a solid background in defence, intelligence, national security, and government affairs.
Professional memberships/certifications:
Degree in Science (ICT)
Degree in Business (Management)
Diploma in Security and Risk Management
Diploma in Project Management
Oceania Cybersecurity Centre, member of the board of advisors
Australian Information Security Association, organising committee
Member Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Dr Susan McGinty is the CEO and Founder of Aya Leadership and a Board Member of Women in STEM Leadership (US). She is an award-winning scientist and global STEM leadership development expert, speaker and author, who is inspired to transform the profile of leadership in STEM and Security to achieve innovation sustainability, uplift women into leadership roles, and enable diversity and equity in STEM and Security. Susan was awarded the 2023 Women in STEM Leadership Leader of the Year Award for her work supporting the leadership development of women in STEM globally.
Susan is a specialised leadership development partner for STEM and Security organisations that prioritise diversity. She works with organisations to develop sustainable and diverse leadership pipelines as a foundation for business sustainability, growth, and innovation. She works with leaders globally to strengthen their leadership skills and develop high-performing and resilient teams and organisations. Her thought leadership and tailored leadership programs have global impact.
Susan has a PhD in Medicinal & Organic Chemistry, a Master of Leadership, and 25 years’ experience in STEM, Defence, Intelligence and National Security, and STEM leadership development. She is a partner of Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers (AIPIO) and Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN).
Adam is an experienced strategy and business development executive focused on enabling national security agencies across the Asia-Pacific region to understand and address the threat environment they operate in. Prior to joining the technology sector, Adam gained almost 30 years’ government experience in intelligence collection, analysis and management roles with the Department of Defence, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the Department of Home Affairs.
Mark Massop began his career in law enforcement upon graduating from the Kansas City Regional Police Academy in 1988. In 1998, the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) established an Investigative Support Center in Kansas City where Mark was assigned as an Intelligence Analyst. In 2000, he was selected as the Outstanding Intelligence Analyst of the Year for the Midwest HIDTA. The same year the Office of the National Drug Control Policy selected Mark Massop as the Outstanding Intelligence Analyst for all of the HIDTA programs. In 2002, he returned to the Independence Police Department where he brought the agency’s intelligence unit into compliance with both CALEA standards and 28 CFR Part 23. During his tenure with the Police Department, Mark Massop received two awards for Valor from the Kansas City Metropolitan Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Association. He was also recognized by the Drug Enforcement Administration for Outstanding Contributions in the Field of Drug Investigations.
Mark Massop joined the International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts (IALEIA) in 1998. In 2001, he was elected as the President of the Mid-States Chapter of IALEIA. From 2004 through 2009, Mark served on the IALEIA Board of Directors as the Chapter Director. Mark served as Vice President; a role he was elected to in 2015 for a two-year term and re-elected again for another two year term in 2017. He currently continues to serve the organization as a member of the Executive Advisory Board.
Mark retired in 2004 and moved to the technology industry with focus on solutions for Law Enforcement. Over the past 20 years, he has served the community by delivering best of breed technology to support the LE mission. He currently serves as Vice President, Sales, NEXYTE North America.
Mitch Green is an Assistant Director of Intelligence with the Australian Skills Quality Authority and has worked in diverse intelligence functions across various government agencies over the last four years.
Mitch holds a Bachelor Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and is experienced in producing tactical, operational and strategic intelligence assessments in the criminal and regulatory intelligence domains. He has also worked in the fraud and corruption and trusted insider threat space. Mitch is an integrationist who considers himself a bit of a nerd, dedicating his spare time reading in the disciplines of sociology, neuroscience, psychology, anthropology and criminology.
He enjoys the philosophy and theory underpinning intelligence analysis and is committed to the profession and supporting and learning from prospective and current practitioners.
Hayley Van Loon, CEO and founder of Magnolia Intelligence, also serves as Deputy CEO at Crime Stoppers International. With nearly two decades of experience spanning Australia, the USA, and global arenas, she has held diverse roles ranging from the Australian government to leadership positions in private intelligence firms. Certified as a CARVER Assessment Professional, Hayley brings a wealth of expertise in agile leadership, target analysis, and intelligence operations.
Hayley has collaborated with a wide range of entities, including Fortune 500 companies, medical marijuana facilities, critical infrastructure organisations, schools, universities, and innovative start-ups. Her contributions have been particularly meaningful in sectors such as biotechnology during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, where she provided vital support to the biotechnology and life sciences sector. Leveraging her extensive private sector experience, she offers valuable insights into global leadership, intelligence operations, and strategic collaboration.
Hayley has recently been appointed as the Head of Harod APAC, where she will bring Harod's world-leading expertise and technology in intelligence to Australia. Harod is a trusted partner to leading corporations, law firms, private individuals, and sports federations. Their investigative role in uncovering allegations of state involvement in cheating and corruption during the Sochi Olympics solidified their reputation. All Harod's investigators are supported by cutting-edge forensic cyber techniques, whistleblowing, and human intelligence (HUMINT).
By introducing Harod's unparalleled investigative capabilities to Australia, Hayley will elevate the standards of intelligence services in the region. Her focus will be on fostering strong partnerships and delivering high-quality, bespoke solutions to clients across various sectors. Through Harod, Hayley aims to provide clients with a trusted and strategic ally in navigating complex challenges, enhancing their operational resilience, and securing their success.