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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Apollo Tyres Ltd has expanded its cycling portfolio with the release of the Vredestein Superpasso 2, a mid-range road tyre borrowing compound technology from the brand’s premium Superpasso Pro model. The new offering targets cycling enthusiasts and leisure riders by pairing that professional-grade tread with a highly durable casing.

Engineers have focused on reducing rolling resistance, achieving an improvement of up to 19 percent on the 28 mm tubeless-ready version compared to the previous generation. This gain comes without sacrificing the established levels of grip or puncture protection, thanks largely to an updated casing and compound rather than structural overhauls. The tyre also retains its predecessor’s 100 TPI casing and reinforced breaker layer.

Apollo’s TriComp technology employs distinct rubber compounds across the tread and shoulders, with a firmer centre promoting durability and lower resistance while softer shoulders enhance wet-weather cornering. Available from May 2026 across Europe, the Superpasso 2 will be offered in tubeless-ready options of 28-622 and 32-622, as well as tube-type sizes of 25-622, 28-622 and 32-622, in both black-black and black-transparent finishes.

Nic Knippers, Divisional Head, Vredestein Two Wheel Tyres, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “With the Superpasso 2, rolling resistance has been significantly reduced while grip and puncture protection remain at the same high level. No rider wants a flat tyre – they want a tyre that delivers both speed and safety, without compromise.”

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The Vredestein Comtrac 2+ has been named the overall winner in the latest summer tyre test by Promobil, Germany’s leading motorhome magazine. The assessment focused on high-demand driving scenarios, with the tyre earning particular recognition for its short stopping distances on both wet and dry pavement.

The test evaluated seven leading summer tyres in size 225/75 R 16 C 121 R on a Fiat Ducato-based motorhome. All competitors were C-type products for vans and campers. The Comtrac 2+ recorded the best wet braking performance at 27 metres from 80 kmph and the highest aquaplaning resistance speed of 93.5 kmph. In dry conditions, it again led the field with a shortest braking distance of 41.1 metres, securing the test winner accolade.

Launched in late 2025, the Comtrac 2+ is available in 21 sizes for 15- to 17-inch rims, including XL load-rated versions. Its wet weather capability comes from a highly dispersible silica filler and a tread pattern designed to expel water. A durable construction, strengthened bead area for stability under load, and reinforced sidewalls for wear resistance contribute to its longevity and handling performance.

Daniele Lorenzetti, Chief Technology Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “This latest independent test confirms the Comtrac 2+ is one of the leading C-type summer tyres on the market. Tyre development requires a careful balance of characteristics, and this result shows that we have created a summer product that is an ideal choice for motorhomes operating in increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.”

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Scandinavian Enviro Systems AB (publ) has received a ruling from the Gothenburg District Court regarding its ongoing company reorganisation process. The court decided that the reorganisation, which the company has been undergoing, will continue rather than be terminated.

This legal determination follows a request submitted to the court that sought an end to the restructuring proceedings. In response to that request, Enviro had already provided its own statement  to the District Court arguing for the continuation of the process. With the court’s latest decision now formally issued, the company is permitted to move forward with its planned measures without disruption.

Enviro has expressed a positive view of the court’s ruling, seeing it as an endorsement that allows the firm to persist with the necessary actions aimed at securing a long-term and sustainable business operation.

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Michelin India has opened a new Michelin Tyres & Services (MTS) store in Jodhpur through a partnership with Sushil Tyres. Located on Chopasani Road, the facility expands the French tyre giant’s retail footprint across Rajasthan while offering premium tyre solutions to local motorists.

Spanning 1,800 square feet, the outlet features Michelin’s full range of passenger car tyres alongside modern wheel alignment and balancing equipment. The inauguration was led by Prashant Sharma, Michelin India’s National Sales Director, with the site designed to deliver a premium and convenient service experience.

Jodhpur, known as the Blue City and a fast-growing commercial hub in Rajasthan, benefits from a strong tourism economy and rising numbers of premium vehicle owners. Sushil Tyres, a trusted local name since 1984, brings over four decades of aftermarket expertise, making the collaboration a blend of global technology and deep community knowledge focused on safety, durability and performance.

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said: “Jodhpur represents a key market in Michelin's growth strategy for the region. The city's rapidly evolving mobility landscape, driven by growing infrastructure and a rising base of premium vehicle owners, makes it an important hub for our retail expansion. The launch of our new Michelin Tyres & Services Store in Jodhpur reinforces our commitment to expanding our network and ensuring greater accessibility to Michelin's premium products and services. This expansion is aligned with our plans to introduce Made-in-India passenger car tyres, reinforcing our commitment to delivering globally benchmarked products tailored for Indian consumers”

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