By Melissa Heng

THE brutality of the Mumbai attacks holds lessons beyond mere vigilance against terrorism.

Welcome to the world of New Age terrorism, where terrorists wield an AK-47 in one hand and a BlackBerry in the
other. Terrorism has evolved, and our mindsets must, too.

The age-old image of a terrorist dressed in rags and sandals, scrambling over tumbled-down walls with rifles raised in defiance may no longer apply.

Yes, there are many regions in the world where such conditions abide, but we are now seeing a new, sophisticated breed of terrorists - one whose ranks are filled with educated, well-spoken individuals.

The Mumbai terrorists had used BlackBerrys and mobile phones to surf international news websites to monitor reports of their murderous spree.

The gang had looked for live footage and Web updates of their actions.

Indian officials say at least five BlackBerry handsets were found on the nine dead terrorists, showing the various websites they surfed.

Where does all this leave us?

What can we make of this information?

Beyond the senseless killings, lessons must be distilled - and distilled fast.

The easy availability of the Internet, the one-click access of YouTube and other video-sharing websites is a technology that cuts both ways.

Terrorists are finding out that the new media can be harnessed to their cause. These organisations increasingly rely on the Net to organise, proselytise, recruit, train and manage their operations.

The Web provides a home for everything, from online e-newsletters to covert message forums.

Groups such as Al-Qaeda even have their own production units to create videos which are then quickly disseminated through satellite television channels.

The message for those who would fight terrorism is clear: We must effect a mindset change - and quickly.

As the adage goes, we might have to fight fire with fire.

There is no better time than now to tap any new and novel ways to reach out to the public with messages of vigilance.

The price of not doing so - of falling behind in the race for the "hearts and minds" of people - is simply too great.

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