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!

TyreSafe, UK’s leading tyre safety charity, has joined forces with Wise in a newly announced partnership designed to reinforce the relationship between tyre safety, responsible workforce management and regulatory compliance. The collaboration draws on TyreSafe's specialised knowledge of tyre safety alongside Wise's track record in assisting organisations that manage compliant self-employed and subcontracted workforces.

The arrangement emerges amid continuing growth in last-mile delivery and subcontracted labour, where drivers often operate under demanding schedules, travel between numerous locations and face considerable time pressure. Those behind the partnership emphasise that safety needs to be embedded within everyday working practices, rather than treated as a matter to be resolved only after an incident or problem has already occurred.

Compliance for businesses engaging self-employed or subcontracted workers stretches from onboarding and verification through to ongoing workforce management. Nevertheless, responsible management involves considerably more than documentation and procedures. When vehicles are central to a worker's role, organisations must also establish whether those vehicles remain safe, roadworthy and adequately maintained. Tyres represent the sole point of contact between a vehicle and the road surface, making them vital to safety, yet they can be neglected when drivers and businesses concentrate on completing deliveries, attending appointments or meeting tight schedules.

Under TyreSafe's ACT framework, preventative checks are organised around three areas: air pressure, condition and tread. Wise serves sectors such as logistics, last-mile delivery and construction, having onboarded over 280,000 subcontractors, with more than 2,500 companies using its platform. Delivery drivers complete multiple drops and accumulate significant mileage, while construction subcontractors regularly meet kerbs, rough surfaces, debris and shifting site conditions, placing added strain on vehicles and their tyres. Both organisations believe problems are best tackled before they escalate into incidents, and the partnership will encourage businesses and drivers to view safe working conditions as an integral part of responsible workforce management.

Stuart Lovatt, Chairman, TyreSafe, said, “We are delighted to be working with Wise because there is a natural connection between what we both want to achieve. Businesses have a responsibility to make sure the people working for them are properly supported, and that includes creating the conditions for them to work safely. For drivers, tyres are fundamental to that safety. We know that professional and last-mile drivers can be working under considerable time pressure, travelling between multiple locations and completing demanding delivery schedules. That makes preventative tyre checks even more important.

“A few minutes spent checking air pressure, condition and tread can identify a problem before it becomes a breakdown, a delay or, more seriously, a road safety risk. This partnership gives us an opportunity to connect tyre safety with the wider conversation about responsible workforce management and to reach businesses and drivers who have a vital role to play in keeping our roads safe.”

Trevor Ruane, Accounts Director, Wise, said, “At Wise, our mission is simple: we improve self-employment by taking away the unnecessary stress, paperwork and compliance risk that businesses and subcontractors face. But compliance is about more than documents and processes. For businesses operating mobile workforces, responsible management also means thinking about the safety of the people doing the work and the vehicles they rely on every day.

“That is why our partnership with TyreSafe is so important. Tyre safety is a practical, everyday issue for drivers and businesses, particularly in logistics, last-mile delivery and construction, where people are constantly on the move and working to demanding schedules. We are pleased to bring TyreSafe’s expertise into that wider conversation and help reinforce the message that prevention, preparation and responsible management should be part of the working day.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Tire Industry Project (TIP), a voluntary CEO-driven initiative representing 10 of the world’s largest tyre manufacturers, has released its annual key performance indicators report. Titled ‘Sustainability Driven: Key Performance Indicators for TIP Members 2021–2025’, the publication tracks member progress between 2021 and 2025 against 16 environmental, social and governance measures. These indicators span seven pathways within TIP’s Sector SDG Roadmap, which outlines the tyre industry’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Decarbonisation efforts showed notable gains, with emissions intensity falling 4.9 percent since 2024 and 29.2 percent since 2021, while renewable electricity procurement rose to 60.5 percent, up 6.5 percent year-on-year. Water efficiency also improved, as total withdrawals dropped 5.7 percent from 2024 to 2025 and withdrawals from water-stressed areas fell 10.9 percent over the same period. Since 2021, these figures represent reductions of 18.4 percent and 35.2 percent, respectively. On responsible natural rubber sourcing, all members continued reporting their procurement efforts to the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) and 90 percent independently implemented responsible sourcing policies across all tyre production materials. The share of members holding validated science-based targets climbed to 90 percent from 80 percent in 2024.

The report further highlights TIP’s work strengthening the evidence base on tyre and road wear particles (TRWP). In 2025, TIP funded five new research projects and supported eight scientific paper publications, double the previous year’s total. By 2025, 36 TIP-supported TRWP research publications existed alongside 796 citations of TIP-supported research, a 14 percent increase from 2024. Grants totalling USD 2 million were committed through TIP’s first Open Call for Projects, a global initiative accelerating independent research. TIP also hosted its second Tire Emissions Research Conference with partner MIT in September 2025, with a third edition scheduled for Cambridge in December 2026.

Regarding tyre circularity, the report notes several developments, including publication of the ELT Toolkit 2.0, the Interactive ELT Data Map and ongoing PCR development work, all supporting stakeholders across the tyre value chain. TIP’s KPI reporting offers policymakers, regulators, industry partners and other stakeholders a transparent view of sector-level sustainability trends, priorities and areas requiring continued collaboration.

Dr How Yong Ng, Adjunct Professor at the National University of Singapore and a member of TIP’s Assurance Group, said, “Transparency and collaboration are at the heart of TIP’s efforts to foster sustainability innovation in the tyre sector. This KPI report demonstrates how TIP members are translating their commitments into measurable results and driving meaningful advancement across the tyre value chain. TIP has been monitoring progress against the SDGs for a decade, and it is encouraging to see how far members have come.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Pirelli is all set to conclude its tenure as the Official Tyre Supplier to the FIM Superbike World Championship at the Pirelli Spanish Round in Jerez de la Frontera. This weekend’s event not only wraps up a 2026 season dominated by Nicolò Bulega and Ducati but also ends a 23-season partnership that began in 2004. The journey has been marked by technological innovation, continuous development, close collaboration with teams and manufacturers and numerous sporting milestones.

For the Andalusian circuit, whose low-abrasion asphalt suits softer compounds, Pirelli has confirmed the softest rear options, already used at Estoril. WorldSBK riders will have the supersoft SCX and soft SC0 for practice, qualifying and races. The SCX, introduced last year as the E0126 development tyre, proved highly effective, helping Bulega claim all three race wins. The SC0 offers a valid alternative in cooler temperatures. The extrasoft SCQ, Pirelli’s softest tyre, will also be available for qualifying and potentially Sunday morning’s Superpole Race.

At the front, the soft SC1 and medium SC2 are both competitive at Jerez, as demonstrated in 2025 when Bulega took pole with the SC1 and won both full-length races with the SC2, while using the E0672 soft development tyre in the Superpole Race. Wet conditions will be covered by DIABLO Wet intermediate and DIABLO Rain tyres for both front and rear. For the WorldSSP finale, rear choices are the SCX supersoft and SC0 soft, with SC1 soft and SC2 medium at the front.

The Pirelli Spanish Round will decide the last two titles. In the debut FIM World Sportbike Championship, Spaniard David Salvador (Kawasaki) leads compatriot and fellow Kawasaki rider Xavi Artigas by 12 points, with two races and 50 points remaining. In the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, Maria Herrera holds a 44-point advantage over fellow Spaniard Beatriz Neila. Both categories use Pirelli DIABLO Superbike tyres with the SC1 compound front and rear.

Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli Motorcycle Racing Director, said, “The Pirelli Spanish Round will mark the final chapter in the long journey that began in 2004, when Pirelli joined the FIM Superbike World Championship as Official Tyre Supplier. Over the years, we have built a partnership that has seen us become not just a supplier but an active and strategic partner, contributing to the growth and development of the Championship. Before saying our final goodbyes, however, we still have one last round ahead of us, which we want to approach with the same determination and the aim of bringing a particularly positive season to the best possible conclusion. The results achieved, with new records set at virtually every circuit and in a wide variety of conditions, have gone hand in hand with intensive development work, carried out alongside the teams right up to the final race. For this last event, we have chosen to retain the softest rear options, the extrasoft SCQ and supersoft SCX, which have been used throughout much of the season. The extensive data collected over the years at Jerez, both during races and in testing, confirms that these are the most effective options for tackling a circuit characterised by low-abrasion asphalt.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Sailun Group made its first substantial appearance at BAUMA CONEXPO INDIA 2026, which opened on September 15 in India. The company attended the event with its MAXAM brand and a selection of core products, holding detailed talks with construction equipment manufacturers, industry customers and partners from around the world. These discussions focused on emerging trends and new opportunities shaping the sector.

Recognised as one of the most influential construction equipment trade shows in India and South Asia, the exhibition spans construction machinery, mining equipment, off-highway vehicles and related value-chain industries. It provides a key platform for global companies to present innovations, connect with industry resources and build regional partnerships. For Sailun, the event marked a significant step in strengthening brand presence and advancing localized development in the Indian market.

The company displayed a broad range of tread patterns, including the MS401, MS308, MSV01 and MS701+, suited to mining, infrastructure development, construction and material transportation. These products are designed for varied equipment configurations and operating demands, reflecting Sailun’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its OTR tyre portfolio and address complex conditions.

Sailun’s booth drew numerous OEMs, distributors, contractors and industry customers. Teams discussed product performance, equipment compatibility, application scenarios and specific requirements while exploring market development, product supply and long-term cooperation. The professional portfolio and solutions for demanding conditions earned strong recognition, raising market awareness of Sailun and MAXAM.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!