Due to COVID-19 pandemic, work-from-home using internet has become a growing way of connecting with associates and clients. This year, internet use has nearly doubled, due to work-from-home and lockdowns. But internet is a risky environment, especially when connecting your mobile devices to a public network. You are at an airport and connect to its public Wi-Fi network. But you are unaware that there is a hacker lurking around the corner, monitoring the internet traffic and ready to hack into your personal account. It is estimated that there are over 450 million public Wi-Fi hotspots globally, offering a rich hunting ground for cyber criminals.  

Cyber specialists tell us that currently there are more than 375 malicious threats PER MINUTE and growing. Mobile malware threats grew by a whopping 70% in Q1-2020 over Q3-2019! Cyber criminals have generated 113,000+ malicious URL’s related to COVID-19, targeting healthcare, education and banking in particular. Cybercriminals steal personal and company information by hacking into our susceptible computers and mobile devices. Cyber-attacks are especially devastating for small businesses - industry data shows that a staggering 60% of small companies, which have been hacked by cyber criminals, go out of business within 6 months after the attack.

While business operations, from conceiving an idea to its final delivery to the user, are going digital at breakneck speed, the entire operational areas remain vulnerable to cyber malfunctioning in one form or other. This impact the operations very hard short-term as well as long-term. Cyber security threats can be due to inherent flaws within the system. But the possibility of deliberate cyber-attacks and hacking from one source or the other is abundant. As competition and market battles hot up, this remains a real danger.

The risk covers a large area. One of the biggest threats is the compromising of vital data. This includes important technical details, hard-earned market information, customer information etc. Loss of data can bring the operation to a halt at great financial impact. As hinted, the problem can be due to malfunctioning of the software or external interference to steal the data.

Either way, the cost of recovery is immense, not to talk about the time lost in the process. Hidden or not, these expenses will have a big role in fixing the final profit and loss accounts.

Adding to this is the loss of credibility of the business. The output will be negatively impacted and the company will have to do great degree of explanations to the customer. It is an equal task to recover lost data and to recover lost credibility. Consumers have other options and look elsewhere. But the company cannot afford that luxury.

While the margin for deliberate external intrusion possibilities remains large, many of these security breaches are caused by human error. One needs to realise that however deep an entity goes digital, there is always that unavoidable human touch that makes it run. AND, to err is human!

This underlines the need for proper intense training. There are studies that say employee ignorance is one of the leading contributors. Workers may know the essential basics of an application, but that does not make him or her a cyber security expert. While the IT departments execute a new cloud computing initiative or new application software, they have to ensure that those handle it on a daily basis are equipped to manage a crisis.

Types of cyber threats

Cyber threats are ever-evolving and cybercriminals use different types of malware to get what they want. Malware is an abbreviated form of “malicious software.” This is software that is specifically designed to gain access to or damage a digital device, usually without the knowledge of the owner.

Crypto jacking: Malware that gives cybercriminals access to “mine” cryptocurrency on your computer, at the expense of your resources.

Form jacking: Malware in which cybercriminals inject malicious code into online forms to steal payment card details on legitimate websites.

Ransomware: It is a malicious software that uses encryption to hold data for ransom, the purpose of which is to extort money from the victims with promises of restoring encrypted data. Like other computer viruses, it usually finds its way onto a device by exploiting a security hole in vulnerable software or by tricking somebody into installing it.

Phishing: These are fake emails that can look surprisingly legitimate. If you get tricked into clicking a link or providing information, thieves can get your passwords and account numbers.

Zoom Bombing: Intruders hack into online meetings.

Remote Access Trojans (RAT): Malware that gives a cybercriminal a “back door” to remotely access a compromised computer.

Spyware: It is unwanted software that infiltrates your device, stealing your Internet usage data and sensitive information. Spyware gathers your personal information and relays it to advertisers, data firms, or external users.

Dark web: It is an underground online community where criminals can go to buy and sell your personal information.

Defense

All digital devices need to be protected using a highly-rated, proven anti-virus program. These programs provide a shield for your operating system in the form of a real-time scanner. When your antivirus program detects an infected file or program, it can delete it on the spot or move it to a special "quarantine" folder. When your antivirus quarantines a file, it prevents it from interacting with the rest of the computer.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a private network within a broader network, adding security by using encryption and tunneling mechanisms. There are some free VPN products available, but these may trade your information to help offset their costs, or impose other limitations, such as how much VPN data available per month. A paid subscription service may enable you to deploy a powerful, yet easy-to-use VPN that protects your Wi-Fi connections, bandwidth and privacy with guarantees against any losses. These VPN’s work with all digital devices - PCs, Macs, smartphones and tablets.

It goes without saying that users of all digital devices that use Wi-Fi connectivity must become more mindful of cybersecurity needs, and companies must invest in security programs and ongoing employee training.

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) recently welcomed Dr Satya Tripathi, Secretary General, Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet (GASP), for a courtesy visit to its Secretariat. During this engagement, Dr Tripathi held discussions with ANRPC’s Secretary General, Dr Suttipong Angthong, as well as Secretariat members Dr Lekshmi Nair and Riska Pujiati. This initial dialogue marked the beginning of conversations aimed at fostering collaboration between ANRPC and GASP to advance sustainability within the natural rubber industry.

Both groups acknowledged systemic challenges facing rubber producing nations, including environmental harm, climate instability and economic volatility. They agreed the industry must embrace the global Green Transition, ensuring rubber enters markets through transparent, ethical, and sustainable supply chains.

The dialogue explored partnerships to strengthen sector resilience and ethical integrity, with special emphasis on supporting smallholders through transformative initiatives that deliver environmental and social impact. The meeting highlighted how high-impact collaboration drives climate adaptation, resilient ecosystems, sustainable livelihoods and inclusive prosperity. Dr Tripathi, a renowned development economist and former UN Assistant Secretary General, also participated in ANRPC’s COP30 side event promoting smallholder projects for net zero and beyond.

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Hankook Tire has announced a major brand advertising campaign set to run throughout the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season, targeting fans across 26 stadiums in North America, including both United States and Canada. This initiative is designed to elevate the premium positioning of its globally unified ‘Hankook’ brand within the local market. The effort kicked off following the Opening Day game between the San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees at Oracle Park in San Francisco on 25 March.

To broaden customer engagement, Hankook Tire will feature not only its core ‘Hankook’ brand identity but also its pioneering electric vehicle tyre lineup called ‘iON’, which is the world’s first full range of EV tyres, alongside the ‘Dynapro’ SUV tyre brand. A notable expansion this season is the inclusion of the Toronto Blue Jays’ home stadium in Ontario, Canada, allowing the company to extend its brand presence across the entire Canadian region for the first time.

Throughout the 2026 regular season, Hankook Tire plans to display its branding on major LED boards located in high-traffic areas such as behind home plate, along the first base line and on outfield fences. By integrating branding into these prominent ballpark locations, the company aims to naturally boost awareness of the ‘Hankook’ name among sports fans while strengthening its competitive edge in North America, a key global market for both SUVs and electric vehicles.

Since 2018, Hankook Tire has built on roughly five years of official MLB sponsorship to implement targeted sports marketing for local customers, reinforcing its premium image in the region. Following the successful World Baseball Classic, which showcased Major League talent, the company expects to enhance the innovative and dynamic image of its brand for both live spectators and baseball fans worldwide. Key markets featuring this high-visibility signage include New York, Boston, Atlanta and Toronto, among others, for the entire 2026 season.

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Magna Tyres has unveiled the M-TRUCK RG22, a commercial tyre aimed at the drive axle position of trucks engaged in regional haulage. This model is calibrated for shorter, repetitive routes where weather and road conditions change frequently. The tyre prioritises dependable grip and extended wear life, helping fleet operators achieve fewer replacements and more consistent handling.

The RG22 comes in sizes 295/60R22.5 and 315/60R22.5, with an 18 or 20 ply rating. Load and speed indices are 150/147K or 154/150L, and the tread carries both M+S and the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol. Fuel efficiency is rated C, wet braking grip is B, and noise output is 73 decibels, falling under the quietest A classification.

The RG22 effectively pushes water away from the contact patch, reducing aquaplaning risk on soaked regional roads. Its tread pattern promotes even wear, helping transport companies stretch mileage budgets. A sturdy internal construction withstands the stop-start stresses of regional work, offering a balanced solution where traction, longevity and all-weather reliability meet.

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has launched Easter campaign to remind all road users that proper tyre maintenance is essential for a safe Easter getaway. With families carrying extra passengers, luggage and holiday treats, vehicles face increased strain, making tyre condition and pressure more critical than ever. Tyres are the only part of the car in contact with the road, so their health directly influences braking, handling and overall journey security.

Easter remains one of the busiest travel periods, and early signs point to another crowded weekend on British roads. According to the VisitEngland Domestic Trip Tracker 2025, a quarter of adults in Britain definitely planned an overnight Easter trip, with nearly one in five still undecided. As more families opt for UK breaks and rural staycations, the volume of traffic rises, and so does the reliance on tyres to cope with heavier loads and longer distances.

Carrying extra luggage, pushchairs, bikes and camping gear places significant additional weight on vehicles. Underinflated tyres under such loads lead to longer stopping distances, reduced stability, poorer steering control, greater risk of tyre failure and increased fuel consumption. Vehicle manufacturers provide specific pressure recommendations for fully loaded cars, yet many drivers overlook these adjustments before long journeys. Properly inflated tyres are vital to managing these risks.

Rural roads, popular for Easter escapes, remain the most dangerous in UK. A recent European Transport Safety Council report revealed that rural roads accounted for 59 percent of all UK road deaths in 2022, with over 10,100 fatalities in the past decade. While overall road deaths have fallen slightly, rural fatalities have not improved. Hazards such as sharp bends, narrow lanes, agricultural vehicles, poor lighting, potholes and slippery spring surfaces mean tyres must provide maximum grip and stability at all times.

TyreSafe’s own tread depth survey estimates that six million tyres on UK roads are illegal, meaning many vehicles are already unsafe before departure. To prevent Easter plans from unravelling, TyreSafe urges every driver to include tyre checks in their holiday routine, alongside packing and route planning, by embracing the simple ACT protocol: regular checks of air pressure, condition and tread depth.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “Easter is a time for family, fresh air and making memories – but it’s also one of the busiest times on our roads. Heavily loaded vehicles, long journeys and rural routes can all increase risk if tyres aren’t properly maintained. Something as simple as adjusting your tyre pressures for a full car can make a significant difference to safety and performance. Before you hop off on your Easter adventure, take a few minutes to ACT – check your Air pressure, Condition and Tread. It’s a small step that could make a life-saving difference.”

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