Much of the world was stunned last week by yet another gruesome act of terrorism, this time in Belgium, where innocent lives were taken by extremists who seem to have one objective: destroy and kill those opposed to their ideology, irrespective of who or where they are.

The dreaded and deeply feared Isis group, with fanatical followers scattered throughout the world, have many observers declaring that a war against people who cherish freedom and peace is well under way.

Apart from bombs and bullets, terrorists make use of high-tech communication systems to circumvent efforts by authorities to penetrate their network of lethal groups whose mandate is to wreak deathly havoc with little or no warning.

This ability to communicate beneath the radar continues to baffle experts in the field of cyberspace science. Sending and receiving information in a manner that defies detection is a problem in uncovering evil plots before they explode with devastating results.

One American expert in the field pointed out that coded messages programmed to self-destruct within seconds after being sent to various terrorist groups makes it difficult to anticipate where they will strike next.

The Brussels tragedy is a clear message that much more needs to be done around the world, especially at international airports, where millions criss-cross the earth daily on the assumption that airport security will keep them safe. There are likely to be dramatic changes at some airports, which will include tighter security before even entering the building to board a flight. Such changes will not be pleasing to passengers, but airport officials must decide between business as usual and confronting the reality of escalating global terrorism.

A disturbing factor is that tourism around the world and potential threats in various regions have the travelling public concerned about safety, in the knowledge that there are people out there with no regard for life, period.

The era of the suicide bomber by extremists to exert fear and control over anyone outside of their thought process has world leaders somewhat in the dark as to how to dismantle deadly groups that operate mostly in the shadows.

The situation has become so serious that thousands are rethinking planned trips to destinations where terrorists have already stated they have several key targets in their crosshairs, including London. It should be stated that Britain, like America and several other big countries, has stepped up security to make it more difficult for them to act. However, there is little room for letting their guard down.

It is a problem not just in parts of Europe and the Middle East, but just about every leading nation has had a brush with terrorism, even through lone wolf activity.

Today the world is more connected than ever through massive media sources that include expanding cyberspace traffic, with the good, the bad and the ugly, all rolled into an electronic jungle of information. The business world is also challenged by terrorists of another kind, who use modern technology instead of weapons to carry out cyberspace robberies that involve millions of dollars. World banks work around the clock to stay ahead of cybercriminals, who never sleep in trying to beat the system.

Technology has made the world a much smaller place, and when terrorist acts take place anywhere on this earth, it affects all people who believe in values such as decency, freedom and justice.