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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Sun Auto Tire & Service, one of the largest independent tyre and automotive service providers in US, has expanded into Colorado by acquiring 23 locations from DAS Drive Automotive Services, marking its entry into the state. This move establishes a notable presence for the company in the greater Denver area while simultaneously enhancing its existing footprint in Arizona. As a result, the Sun Auto Network broadens its service coverage throughout the Southwest region.

With the integration of these locations into the network, customers will now benefit from an expanded suite of offerings. These include access to well-known national tyre brands, the implementation of digital vehicle inspections and an extended range of service capabilities. Furthermore, a nationwide warranty, supported by over 575 locations across the country, provides added assurance. The acquired shops will also tap into shared operational resources, benefit from advanced training initiatives and utilise integrated technology systems, all designed to ensure a uniform and high-quality experience for customers and support for technicians.

This strategic growth is in line with Sun Auto's overarching goal of sustainable expansion. The company prioritises partnerships with established operators who demonstrate a strong dedication to service excellence, the professional development of their teams, and deep-rooted community ties. Through this latest acquisition, the Sun Auto Network continues to extend access to dependable automotive care while reinforcing the communities and personnel fundamental to its ongoing success.

Chris Ripani, Chief Operations Officer, said, "We're excited to welcome these respected brands and their teams to the Sun Auto Network. Each of these businesses has built strong relationships in their communities by delivering dependable service and taking care of customers the right way. That commitment aligns perfectly with the values we look for in every partnership."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has welcomed Essex Police as its newest road safety partner, furthering a joint effort to address the dangers posed by defective and unlawful tyres across one of UK’s most expansive and varied policing regions. As the largest non-metropolitan force in the country, Essex Police serves over 1.86 million residents, covering a diverse landscape that includes dense urban areas, vast agricultural regions, 400 miles (approximately 643.74 km) of coastline and key national assets such as Stansted Airport and the Port of Tilbury.

This partnership adds Essex Police to a nationwide network of more than 250 TyreSafe affiliates, all working collaboratively to reduce collisions stemming from tyre-related offences and neglected vehicle upkeep. The force’s Head of Roads Policing, Adam Pipe, characterised 2025 as exceptionally tragic due to a spike in road deaths. In response, enforcement was intensified, revealing a persistent pattern of tyre violations during checks.

Officers noted that tyre defects frequently appear on vehicles driven by individuals under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This combination of risky behaviour and poor vehicle care significantly endangers others. During the winter anti-drink and drug driving initiative, Operation Limit, numerous tyre issues came to light. These included a vehicle stopped with four completely bald tyres, two of which showed exposed cords, leading to an immediate driving ban. A single day of action in Maldon uncovered eight construction and use offences, ranging from shallow tread to sidewall damage. At least one driver was reported for visible tyre cords, an offence that typically attracts fines and licence points. The Commercial Vehicle Unit also utilised thermal cameras and tread gauges during HGV inspections, finding that a considerable number of commercial vehicles required warnings or prohibitions for tyres nearing the legal limit.

These incidents highlight the widespread nature of the problem and the substantial threat it poses to everyone using Essex’s roads. Defective tyres are a major but avoidable hazard, contributing to diminished control, longer stopping distances and heightened danger in wet conditions. UK regulations mandate a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm for cars and vans and 1 mm for large goods vehicles and larger motorcycles. Tyres must also be free of significant damage and correctly rated for their vehicle. Offenders risk fines reaching GBP 2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre.

Inspector Steve Rooney, Roads Policing, Essex Police, said, “We are seeing first-hand just how many vehicles on our roads are being driven with tyres that are worn, defective or in an outright dangerous condition. The risk to the public is enormous, yet the fear of detection among offenders remains low. By partnering with TyreSafe, we aim to raise awareness, improve compliance and ultimately reduce avoidable harm on our roads.”

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “We are delighted to welcome Essex Police as a TyreSafe road safety partner. The scale and diversity of Essex’s road network – from urban centres to major freight routes – means the force plays a vital role in protecting millions of road users every day. Enforcement highlights the issue, but education and awareness are equally important. By working together, we can ensure more road users understand their legal responsibilities and the simple checks they can carry out to keep their tyres safe and roadworthy. Preventing tyre-related incidents is entirely achievable, and partnerships like this are key to reducing avoidable harm on our roads.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tana Oy, a Finnish environmental technology company specialising in manufacturing mobile solid waste shredders, screens and landfill compactors, has strengthened its footprint in Taiwan by appointing Infinity Services Co., Ltd. as its official agent. This partnership is set to improve service and engineering support throughout the region. Infinity Services brings a highly skilled management and technical team with extensive experience in environmental and recycling equipment operations.

With Tana already established in Taiwan for several years, Infinity Services will now provide reliable local support for the existing fleet of machines, ensuring customers benefit from enhanced technical expertise. This move underscores Tana’s long-term dedication to the Taiwanese market, offering faster response times and comprehensive after-sales service, thereby reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering superior customer care and operational efficiency in the region

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!