There’s much, arguably justified, hype over the recent launch of Apple's new ipad, largely focussed on how it spells the death of the web-book, creates a new consumer category and the general excitement of any Apple launch.

It struck me that even those who think that for all the hype it’s just an iPhone on steroids, consideration should be given to lessons learned from recent terrorist atrocities and intelligence failings (or success - depending on which side of the fence you sit). Law enforcement would be wise to be careful about how they view this latest technological development as the bad guys will undoubtedly be considering ways in which it can be exploited to further their goals.

There’s much debate and activity, particularly from the USA, on the need to avoid a digital 9/11. In particular the threat posed by so called 'lone wolf' operators or isolated/independent terrorist cells who are increasingly difficult to detect and pursue. A similar $500 dollar piece of kit combined with an automatic weapon gave a real time edge in the Mumbai bombing and subsequent extended exercises storming the Taj hotel.

Terrorism is not new, Guy Fawkes has his picture up in the terrorist hall of fame along with the IRA and Al Queda. But through history to the present terrorist threats the challenge is to appreciate and anticipate the threat picture. Through-out history, developments in technology have proven to be difficult to deal with - from barrels of gunpowder, to airplanes through to body-bombs.

Should we be surprised at the adaptability of the terrorist groups and individuals? If terrorists are motivated by passionate conviction in their cause it’s pretty obvious that they are going to exploit every opportunity they can, readily leveraging all new intelligence and media channels – think streaming news feeds, social media, twitter, Google earth, mobile mapping. Live intelligence is now a reality for the average Joe and a trip to Ebay can equip him with many of the gadgets that ten years ago were in the realms of James Bond movies.

The challenge is for law enforcement agencies to stay ahead... or at least keep up with the potential use of tech. Unfortunately poor funding, aging equipment, bureaucracy and data protection issues can seriously hamper anti terrorism efforts. Even where state agencies have had 'the best' systems, training and investment, there are many examples of how terrorists consistently utilise the developing technology and information flows to good (bad) effect.

We need to look forward in a more predictive way. Clearly the need to increase the investment in programs and systems which gather intelligence, populate watch lists, identify risks and threats are a priority. On the other hand we should not lose sight of the fact that the bad guys will also be first in the queue at the next consumer product launch.