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 German Rubber Industry Association (wdk) has released its third-quarter member survey for 2026, indicating a slight easing of anxieties regarding raw material availability. Despite this modest improvement in sentiment, the sector continues to grapple with persistently high costs, with no significant financial respite on the horizon.

wdk Chief Economist Michael Berthel addressed the findings, noting that the acute fears of immediate supply bottlenecks have subsided among member companies. However, he underscored that the overall situation remains highly unpredictable, particularly given the ongoing geopolitical tensions near the Strait of Hormuz, which continue to threaten global trade routes.

While the supply of necessary materials is currently stable, the wdk raw material index for a standard natural rubber compound has surged to its highest point in roughly two years. Berthel pointed out that this disconnect between secure supply and unrelenting price levels leaves firms facing a dual challenge, especially in Germany, where elevated energy costs compound the financial strain of expensive inputs.

The association’s report also reveals a bifurcated business climate, with robust international operations contrasting sharply with weak domestic orders. Berthel characterised the overall recovery as fragile, stressing that without substantial government action to reduce energy levies and bureaucratic hurdles, a genuine upturn for the domestic industry remains elusive.

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Hankook Tire, the exclusive tyre supplier for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, is set to equip all teams for a historic first in Japan. The 2026 TDK Tokyo E-Prix will mark the series' debut night races, with Rounds 14 and 15 of Season 12 scheduled to start at 20:00 local time on 25 and 26 July.

Tokyo’s presence on the Formula E calendar began in 2024 with the city’s inaugural FIA World Championship race, and it returned as a double-header in 2025. The temporary 2.575-kilometre Ariake waterfront circuit, featuring 18 corners and a mix of straights, technical sections and high-speed combinations, will host the event. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, the entire race weekend, including the floodlighting, will be powered by advanced biofuels in partnership with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

The unprecedented evening timetable presents a strategic challenge for competing teams. With practice and qualifying occurring during the warmer afternoon, the races will unfold after sunset on a significantly cooler track. This shift demands that engineers not only collect effective data in daylight but also accurately predict tyre behaviour, grip and track temperature evolution as conditions cool towards race time.

Despite the evening start, Tokyo’s intense late-July heat and humidity are expected to persist, placing a premium on the Hankook iON Race tyre’s warm-up characteristics, stable grip and consistent performance. Throughout the weekend, Hankook will also host a booth in the Fan Village, allowing attendees to explore the company’s iON tyre technology and electric vehicle tyre lineup.

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Bridgestone Thailand has introduced the BRIDGESTONE POTENZA SPORT EVO, its newest premium sport tyre, during the IMPACT Speed Fest 2026 event. Positioned as a next-generation offering under the design philosophy of ultimate control and superior performance, the tyre was presented to media representatives for firsthand evaluation. Engineered to provide sharp responsiveness and precise handling, the product caters to drivers seeking sporty dynamics while also accommodating the growing electric vehicle segment under the EV Ready designation.

The tyre incorporates five core performance enhancements aimed at elevating driving confidence and efficiency. Braking capabilities have been significantly improved, with the tyre achieving the highest wet grip index across all available sizes, resulting in up to five percent shorter stopping distances on wet surfaces. Dry braking performance also benefits from an innovative curved tread block design that optimises contact pressure, reducing stopping distances by two percent. Handling stability is reinforced through a specialised groove layout and the integration of high-strength nylon and aramid fibre in the tread, ensuring firm grip across varying speeds.

Durability and energy efficiency have also been addressed, with material and structural upgrades extending tyre longevity by as much as 15 percent, equivalent to over 6,000 additional kilometres of use. Rolling resistance has been lowered by up to six percent, a feature particularly beneficial for electric vehicles. Bridgestone developed this tyre with a lightweight construction to support the performance expectations of EV drivers who continue to value acceleration and high-speed capability, aligning with the company’s broader sustainability objectives.

Available from 2026 in 71 sizes ranging from 18 to 22 inches, the POTENZA SPORT EVO is now accessible through authorised Bridgestone retailers and COCKPIT outlets nationwide, with online ordering options also provided. The launch reinforces Bridgestone’s commitment to blending sporty heritage with environmentally conscious engineering, offering a solution that meets the diverse needs of modern performance and electric vehicle owners.

Akihito Ishii, Managing Director, Bridgestone Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said, “As a global leader in providing sustainable mobility and advanced solutions, Bridgestone is committed to continuous research and development to deliver innovative products that effectively meet the diverse needs of consumers. With this commitment, Bridgestone aims to redefine Thailand’s premium sport tyre segment through the launch of the new BRIDGESTONE POTENZA SPORT EVO. Developed under the concept of ‘Ultimate Control, Superior Performance’, this new tyre is engineered to excel in every aspect of driving performance, delivering an exhilarating driving experience while providing the safety and confidence drivers need on every journey.

“BRIDGESTONE POTENZA SPORT EVO is one of the innovations that Bridgestone is especially proud to introduce to consumers in Thailand, particularly those seeking premium, high-quality tyres. We are confident that this new tyre will not only meet the expectations of performance-oriented drivers but also expand our reach among EV owners who demand exceptional driving performance, precise handling, superior grip, and longer-lasting durability.”

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Kumho Tire USA has initiated the Georgia Veterans Tire Assistance Program, building upon its recent alliance with the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation. This new effort will distribute certificates for complete sets of four replacement tyres to 50 financially struggling veterans throughout the state, amounting to 200 tyres with a total value exceeding USD 50,000.

The programme acknowledges that dependable vehicles are critical for veterans to reach jobs, medical facilities and daily essentials. By covering the expense of new tyres, the initiative aims to ensure that recipients can travel safely and without the burden of unexpected automotive costs.

Administration of the programme falls to the GVSF, which will handle applicant selection and the distribution of certificates over the course of the year. Those not chosen in a given round may have their applications reconsidered in subsequent quarters, provided they continue to meet the established criteria.

Eligible applicants must be Georgia residents who are US military veterans, own or routinely use the vehicle in question and hold a valid licence, insurance and registration. Proof of financial hardship and tyres deemed unsafe due to wear, age or damage are also required, with a 24-month restriction on prior assistance. This marks the inaugural project under the Kumho-GVSF partnership, reflecting the tyre manufacturer’s broader dedication to enhancing community safety and mobility.

Edmund Cho, CEO, Kumho Tire USA, said, "When we announced our partnership with the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation, our goal was to identify meaningful ways to support Georgia's veterans and their families. The Georgia Veterans Tire Assistance Program puts that commitment into action by helping veterans maintain reliable transportation for work, appointments, family commitments and everyday needs."

Joe Higgins, Board Chair, Georgia Veterans Service Foundation, said, "The Georgia Veterans Service Foundation is grateful to Kumho Tire for this generous donation to help Georgia veterans continue travelling safely and stay connected to their communities. These tyre certificates will provide meaningful assistance to veterans by improving mobility, safety and access to essential resources."

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