Intelligence officers, former US Secret Service agents, cybercrime experts and members of international police forces will convene in Co Waterford this week for the biennial Global Intelligence Forum.

Hosted by Mercyhurst University’s Ridge School of Intelligence Studies, the forum will examine innovations in business intelligence, best practices for security analysis, global cybersecurity threats, the impact of social media in security and intelligence management, and the application of intelligence principles to higher education challenges.

Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan will address the event, along with former White House official for cybersecurity Howard Schmidt and former director of the US Secret Service Lewis Merletti.

Forum attendees will also hear from Europol's strategic analyst for the European Cybercrime Centre Jaroslav Jakubcek, Nama chairman Frank Daly, president-emeritus of Notre Dame College Andrew Roth, Liam Fahey of Babson College and Patrick Gibbons of UCD.

Latest insights

Mercyhurst College Ireland executive manager Kevin Giblin said the speakers would provide the latest insights in security, business intelligence, data management and the use of technology to counter criminal and intelligence threats.

“This is a unique opportunity to engage with leaders on diverse topics such as corporate risk management, advanced data analysis, anticipatory intelligence, cybercrime and real-time forensic analysis, among others,” he said.

The event will run over three days, attracting attendees from the business community and academia, security specialists, technology companies and global corporations as well as Government representatives and those involved in the area of business intelligence.

The forum, which is taking place in Dungarvan, is expected to attract more than 300 people.