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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Bridgestone will continue as a tyre supplier to the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) in 2026, extending its partnership with the series which began in 2017. The company will increase its involvement by equipping seven teams with its premium BATTLAX motorcycle tyres, a rise from the five teams supported the previous year. The seven teams are AutoRace Ube Racing Team, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, F.C.C. TSR Honda France, Kawasaki Webike Trickstar, KM99 Yamaha, Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team and Yoshimura SERT Motul.

This expanded role follows a highly successful 2025 season where a Bridgestone-equipped team, Yamalube YART Yamaha, claimed the EWC title. This victory marked the sixth championship win for a team using Bridgestone tyres and the fifth consecutive year of such dominance, with five of the top six overall positions occupied by Bridgestone-supported teams.

The BATTLAX racing tyres are the result of advanced engineering, utilising sophisticated materials and construction methods to provide superior grip, consistent performance and lasting durability. These qualities are essential for the demanding nature of endurance racing, which features events lasting up to a full day. Engineered to perform reliably in diverse weather and track conditions, the tyres give riders the confidence to maintain a competitive pace throughout each stint.

Bridgestone views the racetrack as a crucial development environment, using the extreme conditions of the EWC to rigorously test and refine its technology. With races ranging from 8 to 24 hours, the series places continuous, intense stress on tyres, offering a perfect setting to advance compound chemistry and construction techniques. This knowledge is then applied to consumer products under the company’s From Circuit to Street philosophy. The latest proof of this process is found in new additions to the BATTLAX family, including the track-only RACING BATTLAX V03 slick tyre and the road-legal BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12, both of which feature technology honed in the crucible of endurance competition.

Nico Thuy, Director Motorcycle, Bridgestone EMEA, said, “The FIM Endurance World Championship represents the ultimate proving ground for tyre performance, durability and innovation. The 2025 season once again demonstrated the consistency and capability of Bridgestone tyres under the toughest racing conditions. Following this success, we are proud to offer our expertise and top-performing tyres to seven teams for 2026.”

The 2026 EWC season schedule is as follows:

• 18 April: 24 Heures Motos, Le Mans, France
• 6 June: 8 Hours of Spa Motos, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
• 5 July: Cuca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours, Suzuka race track, Japan
• 19 September: the Bol d'Or, Circuit Paul Ricard, France

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has unveiled its comprehensive motorsports activity plan for the 2026 season. The company views its participation in global motorsports as essential for advancing tyre technology and reinforcing the ADVAN and GEOLANDAR brands. Its strategy encompasses a diverse range of events, from top-tier championships to grassroots competitions worldwide.

Key championships and series

• SUPER FORMULA: Yokohama Rubber has renewed its exclusive agreement as Official Tyre Partner and control tyre supplier for Japan's premier racing series, a partnership dating back to 2016. The new contract extends through the 2030 season. For 2026, the company will supply ADVAN racing tyres featuring a high renewable and recycled raw material ratio of approximately 46%. The series will also introduce the SUPER POLE QUALIFYING Supported by YOKOHAMA TYRE, a three-stage knockout format.
• SUPER GT: Yokohama will supply ADVAN racing tyres to one car in the GT500 class and 17 cars in the GT300 class, aiming for victories and a championship title in the latter.
• Nürburgring 24-Hour Race: Yokohama will supply ADVAN racing tyres to three teams: Haupt Racing Team, KONDO RACING with Rinaldi, and BMW M Motorsport. This marks the first collaboration with BMW M Motorsport in nearly 40 years, with ADVAN tyres fitted to two BMW cars entered by Schubert Motorsport and a special fan-focused BMW entry. Tyres will also be supplied for the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS).
• Porsche Sprint & Endurance Challenges: For the sixth consecutive year, ADVAN racing tyres will serve as the control tyre for the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America and Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West. It will also be the control tyre for the Porsche Endurance Challenge North America for the third straight year.
• Ford Mustang Cup: Yokohama will again supply ADVAN racing tyres as the control tyre for this one-make series, which features the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R.
• American Off-Road Racing Championship (AORC): Yokohama has become a supporting sponsor of this newly launched premier desert racing series. The company will supply GEOLANDAR tyres to top teams competing in the championship, which includes renowned races like Best in the Desert and The Mint 400.

Other major events and disciplines

• Hill Climb: At the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Yokohama will supply ADVAN racing tyres to top drivers and continue sponsoring and providing the control tyre for the Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama.
• Off-Road Races: Yokohama will seek a second consecutive overall win at the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) using GEOLANDAR M/T G003 tyres. In North America, the company will support the King of the Hammers (as title sponsor of the Every Man Challenge), the Championship Off-Road series (with GEOLANDAR X-AT and A/T4 tyres), and the TrophyLite Series (supplying GEOLANDAR M/T G003 as the official specification tyre for the eighth year). They will also supply tyres for the XCR Sprint Cup Series in Japan.
• Rally: In the Japanese Rally Championship (JRCA), ADVAN rally tyres will be supplied to top JN-1 class teams, including the NUTAHARA Rally Team (with an ADVAN-coloured car) and SUBARU Team ARAI. Yokohama will also support the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Rally Challenge for a second year.
• Drift: For FORMULA DRIFT JAPAN (FDJ), Yokohama will supply ADVAN NEOVA AD09 tyres to teams in the top FDJ class and provide control tyres (ADVAN NEOVA AD09 for FDJ2, ADVAN APEX V601 for FDJ3). The company will also supply ADVAN tyres to a team competing in the D1 GRAND PRIX.
• Speed Competitions: In Japan, Yokohama will supply ADVAN A052 and A050 tyres for the All Japan Gymkhana Championship and a range of ADVAN tyres for various surfaces in the All Japan Dirt Trial Championship.

Participatory & Grassroots: Yokohama will support grassroots events globally, including supplying ADVAN dB V553 tyres as the control tyre for the new CATERHAM CUP JAPAN. The company also announced its Yokohama Motorsports Scholarship 2026 programme to support participants in Japanese rally, gymkhana and dirt trial competitions.

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Hankook Tire is set to showcase its advanced commercial tyre portfolio at the inaugural Road Transport Expo (RTX) Ireland, scheduled for 15 and 16 April 2026 at the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn. Hankook will display the pioneering e-SMART City AU56 EV bus tyre, the new Smart Work AM11+ for regional distribution, the versatile SmartFlex range for long-haul applications and value-focused Laufenn commercial tyres. Organised by the team behind the successful RTX Stoneleigh and RTX Scotland events, RTX Ireland 2026 brings a dedicated truck focus to Northern Ireland. With over 50 exhibitors and an expected attendance of more than 7,000 visitors, the event serves as a crucial hub for the Irish road transport sector to network and discover industry-shaping innovations. Attendees can find Hankook alongside its exclusive distributor, TyreCall and Tractamotors, at Stand C15.

Among the featured innovations is Hankook’s pioneering e-SMART City AU56, the brand’s first electric bus tyre introduced in 2024. Engineered for the unique demands of electric urban transport, this tyre offers low rolling resistance for extended range, reduced noise for enhanced passenger comfort and robust durability to manage the high torque and heavier loads of electric vehicles. Also on show will be the recently launched Smart Work AM11+, a tyre specifically developed for the rigours of regional and local distribution. Its design provides strong resilience against the wear and tear of stop-start operations, making it ideal for demanding sectors like waste management, with reinforced sidewalls for extra protection.

For fleets covering regional and long-haul routes, Hankook will present its SmartFlex range. The SmartFlex AL51 for steer axles and DL51 for drive axles are engineered for consistent performance throughout their lifespan. Reflecting Hankook’s commitment to sustainability and cost-efficiency, these tyres are both regroovable and retreadable. Complementing the Hankook portfolio, visitors can also explore the Laufenn brand, including the Laufenn365 initiative. The Laufenn commercial range, featuring the LF95+ trailer tyre, LF22 all-position tyre and LZ22 drive tyre, leverages Hankook’s advanced technology to deliver strong value, full retreadability and a reduced environmental footprint, catering to budget-conscious operators. This participation underscores Hankook’s growing leadership in the UK truck tyre replacement market, driven by continuous innovation and tailored solutions for an evolving industry.

Jon Cottrell, Truck and Bus Sales Manager, Hankook Tyre UK, said, “We are looking forward to the first Road Transport Expo in Northern Ireland – it’s a fantastic opportunity to build meaningful connections and stay informed on the latest developments shaping the industry. 2026 marks the inaugural RTX Ireland and our first time exhibiting in Northern Ireland, which makes it particularly exciting. We’re proud to be attending alongside our exclusive distributors, TyreCall and sister company, Tractamotors, who we have had a strong partnership with for the last 40 years. We look forward to welcoming both existing and prospective customers to our stand while gaining valuable insight into the Irish truck tyre market.”

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The Tire Industry Project (TIP) has released the updated Product Category Rules (PCR) for tyres in collaboration with UL Environment. This revision establishes a more robust framework for measuring environmental performance and promotes consistent transparency throughout the tyre sector.

A Product Category Rule serves as a standardised guide for manufacturers to conduct lifecycle assessments and create Environmental Product Declarations that enable meaningful comparisons between similar products. Valid for the next five years, the revised PCR integrates current scientific findings, including enhanced methods for tracking greenhouse gas emissions. It reflects modern production realities such as the adoption of renewable energy in manufacturing plants and incorporates evolving vehicle technologies like improved fuel economy and alternative fuel sources. The update also mandates uniform reporting when new materials are introduced, simplifying the monitoring of sustainability advancements.

Independently adopted by the 10 member companies of the Tire Industry Project, which collectively account for 60 percent of global tyre production capacity, this fourth edition encourages wider voluntary implementation across the industry. Developed through collaboration among major manufacturers, the PCR standardises how environmental footprints are calculated from raw material extraction through disposal, ensuring comparability of Environmental Product Declarations. This comparability supports environmentally conscious purchasing decisions and fosters ongoing improvements in sustainability across the value chain.

Key enhancements include refined carbon footprint calculations addressing biogenic carbon, expanded applicability to all tyre categories including off-road and specialty tyres and greater regional accuracy by incorporating localised data on end-of-life tyre management, vehicle efficiency, energy mixes and payload considerations. The methodology now provides a clear hierarchy for assessing impacts in multi-product manufacturing environments, aligns impact indicators with the European Commission’s Environmental Footprint 3.1 framework and updates raw material datasets and emission factors for improved data quality.

UL Solutions, an independent safety science organization, collaborated closely on developing and publishing this updated PCR.

Dr Larisa Kryachkova, Executive Director, TIP, said, “The updated PCR reflects years of collaboration and investment to advance sustainability across the tyre value chain. Our goal is to strengthen environmental reporting. With a common methodology, we support better industry-wide decision-making, turning ambition into positive environmental action.”

Ranee Valles, Director and General Manager – Product Sustainability, UL Solutions, said, “Transparent, standardised reporting enables manufacturers, regulators, fleet operators and consumers to make informed choices about the products they use or supply. Our collaboration with TIP reflects a shared commitment to credible, science-driven solutions, and we’re grateful for TIP’s leadership in advancing scientific rigour and industry alignment on environmental reporting.”

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