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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MESNAC Union Technology (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China’s MESNAC Co., Ltd., has broken ground on a new manufacturing facility in the Qilu (Cambodia) Special Economic Zone in Svay Rieng Province, marking the company’s second major investment in Southeast Asia.

Executives from the Qilu Special Economic Zone, MESNAC Chairman and President Guan Bingzheng, and representatives from the tyre sector attended the 30 October ceremony.

Zhou Chuanhai, General Manager of MESNAC Union Technology, said the ceremony underscored the company’s growing international ambitions. “The opening of the MESNAC Vietnam factory and the groundbreaking of the Cambodia factory jointly demonstrated the bold and hardworking spirit, and pragmatic executive force of the MESNAC Union Technology team,” he said. The two projects, he added, “further confirmed the company’s firm determination to expand overseas and serve global tyre enterprises.”

Zhou said Cambodia’s location at the heart of Southeast Asia offered “unique geographical advantages and vast market potential”. He added that the company would continue to uphold its mission “To advance rubber industry to a higher level,” while strengthening its global production and service network to offer more efficient integrated solutions for tyre manufacturers.

The ceremony concluded with guests witnessing the official launch of the project.

The new Cambodia plant follows the commissioning of the firm’s Vietnam facility and forms part of MESNAC’s push to scale up its presence in the region. The company said the investment will expand manufacturing capacity, improve service capability in Southeast Asia and support a more comprehensive product offering for global tyre clients.

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Bridgestone has introduced the Potenza Sport EVO, an ultra-high-performance tyre that represents a significant evolution of its acclaimed Potenza Sport line. This next-generation tyre is engineered to deliver superior sports performance, enhanced safety in wet conditions, increased longevity and greater energy efficiency. A key feature is its expanded size range, ensuring compatibility with a broader spectrum of high-performance vehicles.

Central to the tyre's advancement is the incorporation of Bridgestone's ENLITEN Technology, a forward-thinking engineering approach designed to provide uncompromised performance while supporting sustainability. This technology ensures the Potenza Sport EVO is fully prepared to meet the unique demands of both electric vehicles and traditional internal combustion engines.

The performance gains are substantial. The tyre provides exceptional control and stability during high-speed driving, whether on straightaways or through corners. Its wet grip is best-in-class, achieving a top EU label A-grade and enabling a five percent shorter wet braking distance compared to its predecessor. This is complemented by a two percent improvement in dry braking. These handling and safety benefits are the result of specific innovations, including a high-stiffness compound for stability, a dedicated construction with a stiff carcass and a sporty, asymmetric profile shape. For wet grip, a bespoke compound with optimised fillers works in synergy with a precisely engineered tread pattern.

Beyond performance, the Potenza Sport EVO offers notable practical advantages. It provides a fifteen percent increase in mileage, translating to thousands of additional kilometres of use. Furthermore, its rolling resistance is reduced by up to six percent, which contributes to improved fuel efficiency for conventional cars and extends the driving range of electric vehicles.

Developed in Europe, the Potenza Sport EVO will be available in 139 sizes across a 17- to 23-inch spectrum, a considerable expansion that fulfils 92 percent of the sport market's coverage needs. The launch will occur in two phases, beginning with 92 sizes in January 2026 and the remainder following in 2027, making the tyre available across numerous global markets.

Stefano Sanchini, Vice President Consumer Replacement at Bridgestone EMEA, said, “The new Bridgestone Potenza Sport EVO with ENLITEN Technology is built for high-performance vehicles and drivers, whatever the powertrain. Building on the success of the remarkable Potenza Sport – a tyre chosen as original equipment by many of the world’s most prestigious car brands, like Lamborghini, Maserati and Porsche – it continues the proud Potenza family legacy.”

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Vredestein Tires, the renowned  European tyre brand from Apollo Tyres Ltd, immersed attendees in the vibrant automotive culture of the 1980s and 1990s at the recent RADwood SoCal event. The brand curated a compelling showcase of era-defining vehicles, each fitted with period-correct Vredestein tyres to celebrate its legacy of combining classic authenticity with modern performance. A key attraction was a 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, equipped with Hitracs tyres and on loan from the Petersen Automotive Museum, which will be awarded in a forthcoming November sweepstakes.

Further demonstrating its product versatility, Vredestein collaborated with Los Angeles automotive influencers Abraham Ruffei, Armagan Sezenol and Steve Ellis. Their vehicles, including an R34 Nissan Skyline, a classic Jeep Grand Wagoneer and a Mercedes-Benz E320 Cabriolet, were prominently displayed on Vredestein tyres.

The complete Vredestein corral featured:

    1994 Mercedes-Benz E320 Cabriolet, on Hypertrac tyres
    1982 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, on Vredestein Pinza AT tyres
    1998 Nissan R34 Skyline, on Hypertrac tyres
    1986 Land Rover Defender, on Vredestein Pinza AT tyres
    1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager Expresso, on Hypertrac tyres
    1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, on Hitrac tyres
    1986 DINAN 635CSI, on Hypertrac tyres
    1987 BMW 325, on Sprint+ tyres

Art Cervantes, Founder, RADwood, said, “Vredestein Tires is a proud supporter of RADwood and this nostalgic era of automobiles. They love helping vehicle owners across the country find those hard-to-source, period-correct sizes that complement their full array of tyre styles. Each tyre delivers performance, a premium driving experience and is aesthetically appropriate for modern classics. It’s a brand for people who love cars and see driving as an experience.”

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Prometeon Tyre Group, a leading company in the commercial, agricultural and OTR tyre sectors, is displaying its advanced Serie 02 radial tyres at the ongoing Agritechnica 2025, the world’s largest trade fair for agricultural machinery, which is being held in Hannover, Germany, from 9 to 15 November 2025. The company is featuring its AT02 model, a key part of its agricultural line, within the Sindipeças exhibit, a Brazilian automotive components association. This highlights a natural link to Brazil, where Prometeon manufactures these tyres at its Gravataí and Santo André facilities.

The Serie 02 range, designed for tractors (AT02), harvesters (H02) and sprayers (SX02), incorporates significant technological advancements. Its design includes reinforced lugs and an optimised tread that enhance traction and self-cleaning while reducing fuel consumption. The radial structure utilises advanced polymers to create a larger footprint, which improves load distribution, minimises soil compaction and boosts overall productivity. Built for durability, these tyres offer excellent resistance to cuts, chipping and wear. Their versatility ensures reliable performance across diverse terrains and conditions, including road travel, where they provide safety, comfort and dependable handling.

Dario Gotti, Global Head of OE and Agro Business at Prometeon, said, “Our established presence in the LATAM market has made us a benchmark in terms of performance and brand awareness in the agricultural tyre sector. Prometeon’s strategy is to extend this leadership globally, as we have already done in the Truck & Bus Radial tyres segment. In this context, Agritechnica represents an important opportunity for us to meet key customers and OEMs, with whom we have longstanding partnerships. The agricultural tyre business requires a high level of expertise, both in research and development and in manufacturing processes – elements that are core to Prometeon and allow us to play a leading role in the international market.”

Igor Zucato, Global Head of Agro R&D at Prometeon, said, “The new Serie 02 product line for the Agro business represents the culmination of our research in terms of efficiency, sustainability and performance. Every component – from the radial structure to the material compounds – has been designed to meet the needs of an increasingly technological and productivity-driven sector. Our goal is to provide operators with solutions that enhance agricultural work while reducing fuel consumption and the environmental impact.”

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