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 J&K Bank presents JK Tyre Rally of Himalayas 2026, recognised as one of the nation's most gruelling rally raids, drew to a close on 30th September following over four days of fierce competition through the high-altitude terrains of Lahaul-Spiti and Zanskar. The event assembled 50 cars and 80 riders, all confronting some of India's most unforgiving mountain routes where precision, endurance and rapid decision-making faced constant scrutiny.

Beginning with a flag-off from Manali on 26 September 2026, participants navigated rugged stretches across Lahaul and Spiti, including the formidable Kunzum La crossing, notorious for its extreme conditions and demanding driving lines. Steep inclines, unpredictable weather and altitude-related pressures placed relentless strain on both machines and competitors, underscoring the rally's reputation for testing speed alongside consistency.

From the outset, Rajiv Yadav asserted his presence by seizing the lead on Day One, building momentum while monitoring strong local challenger Aaryak Rana, who remained a closely watched contender during the early phases. As technical demands intensified, holding position became as vital as pursuing outright pace, with the standings gradually revealing those capable of blending speed with reliability.

A pivotal 72-km competitive stage, later run in reverse, introduced a fresh challenge by forcing competitors to recalibrate braking points, turn-in timing and pacing strategies on familiar ground approached from the opposite direction. A significant setback occurred when Lakhpa Tsering, the 2015 Raid de Himalaya champion, withdrew his Toyota Hilux due to a technical fault, highlighting how mechanical dependability proves as crucial as driving prowess in such events.

Following the reverse stage, Daksh Gill shifted the rally's momentum by clinching the next two stages, starting with the reverse Losar to Gramphu run. The competition then advanced towards Shinku La, climbing beyond 16,500 feet, where control, traction and throttle precision mattered more than raw speed. Gill's capacity to sustain pace in these conditions proved instrumental in shaping the final outcome.

Moving into the Zanskar Valley, competitors encountered one of the event's most punishing phases, featuring a high-speed run across dramatic, desert-like high-altitude terrain. Gill once again displayed remarkable pace and consistency, reaching speeds of up to 200 kmph during the Zanskar stretch, a decisive segment that reinforced the necessity of combining outright speed with control in extreme conditions. The rally ultimately concluded in Padum, the headquarters of Zanskar district.

In the Moto category, Dhritimaan Singh emerged victorious, with Happy Verma as runner-up and Nitish Bharadwaj taking second runner-up. The Xtreme four-wheel class saw Rajiv Yadav and Rohit Gowda triumph, followed by Aaryak Rana and Aditya Sharma as runners-up, while Daksh Gill and Virender Kashyap secured second runner-up. Adventure four-wheel honours went to Soham Hazra and Nirav Mehta, with Santosh HM and Prakash Muthusamy as runners-up, Chandra Mouli and Sri Sakthi Kumar N in third and Sachin Mandhwani with Adhitya Anthony in fourth.

A prize distribution ceremony, featuring regional cultural performances, was attended by dignitaries including Arava Gopi Krishna, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Transport and Housing and Urban Development; Moses Kunzang, Staff Officer to Chief Secretary; Tsewang Dorjai, DGM-cum-Zonal Head, J&K Bank; Rigzin Sangdup, SP, Zanskar; Gulam Mohammed, CEO, Tourism Development Authority and ADDC Kargil; and Sarwar Shehzad, SDM, Zanskar.

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Hankook Tire has underscored the competitiveness of its winter and all-season portfolio through strong showings in two recent independent assessments. The Kinergy 4S 2 all-season tyre and the Winter i*cept RS 3 winter tyre both earned top-tier results in tests conducted by Auto Zeitung, in its issue 20/2026, and by the Automobilclub von Deutschland (AvD) in August 2026. The evaluations positioned the manufacturer’s products favourably across multiple performance and economic criteria.

In the Auto Zeitung all-season comparison, the Kinergy 4S 2 was assessed in the widely used 225/45 R 17 fitment and received the publication’s ‘Highly recommended’ designation. The tyre demonstrated notable composure on snow, with predictable cornering behaviour that testers described as making it a comfortable winter-capable option. It also excelled in aquaplaning resistance while cornering and recorded the quickest wet-handling lap on the circular track. On dry surfaces, the editorial team noted trouble-free behaviour at the limits, solid projected mileage, and strong value for money.

The AvD’s 2026 all-season test delivered similarly positive outcomes. Evaluated in size 225/50 R 17, the Kinergy 4S 2 claimed the best value-for-money ranking and performed strongly in the economy and environment category, earning 4.78 out of five stars overall. It achieved five stars each for mileage and fuel consumption, along with 4.9 stars for tyre wear. Against a twelve-tyre field, it also placed highly for aquaplaning and aquaplaning in curves, securing 4.20 stars in the final ranking and an overall ‘Good’ rating.

Separately, the Winter i*cept RS 3, tested in 225/45 R 17, received an overall ‘Good’ verdict with 4.26 stars in the AvD winter tyre evaluation. It performed particularly well in snow braking and traction, scoring 4.4 and 4.3 stars, and in aquaplaning in curves and straight-line aquaplaning, with 4.5 and 4.4 stars. The tyre also earned 4.43 stars across economic and environmental criteria, including 4.6 stars for weight and 4.5 stars each for fuel consumption, mileage and tyre wear.

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Bridgestone Corporation has confirmed it will become the exclusive tyre supplier for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the foremost all-electric motorsport series, beginning with the 2026/27 season. The announcement positions the Japanese manufacturer at the centre of a championship that has grown into a global platform for electric racing since its founding in 2014.

The forthcoming season will mark the competitive debut of the GEN4 car, a machine that redefines performance boundaries. With permanent active All-Wheel Drive, remarkable torque and acceleration, the GEN4 reaches 100 kmph in 1.8 seconds and attains a top speed of 335 kmph, while producing a peak output of 815 bhp. These figures make it the quickest and most potent Formula E vehicle ever built.

(From left) Emilio Tiberio (WEST CTO, Bridgestone), Jeff Dodds (CEO, Formula E), Yasuhiro Morita (Global CEO and Representative Executive Officer, Bridgestone), Marek Nawarecki (Senior Circuit Sport Director, FIA) and Hiroshi Imai (Executive Officer, CPO, Global Motorsports, Bridgestone)

To harness this performance, Bridgestone has engineered the POTENZA GEN4 tyre, designed to deliver high grip, broad adaptability across varied road and weather conditions and durability that sustains performance throughout a race. A second specification, the POTENZA GEN4 for TYPHOON TYRE, has also been created to ensure stable handling and strong grip when heavy rain leaves substantial water on the track.

Sustainability features prominently in the tyre programme. Each GEN4 tyre incorporates a 65 percent allocation of recycled and renewable materials, including carbon black recovered from pyrolysis oil of end-of-life tyres and silica derived from rice husks. Natural rubber is drawn from supply chains subject to Bridgestone due diligence, compliant with the GPSNR Assurance System and verified by an independent third party. Manufacturing uses 100 percent renewable energy for both heat and electricity, while low-carbon logistics help curb CO₂ emissions, with chemical recycling of end-of-life tyres among wider value-chain initiatives pursued alongside partners.

Formula E, governed by the FIA, has expanded rapidly through street races in cities such as Monaco, Sao Paulo, Sanya and Tokyo, alongside traditional circuits. Its digital engagement and programmes such as FIA Girls on Track have helped build a fan base exceeding 400 million. Committed to Making Progress Thrilling, the championship demonstrates that electric racing can drive measurable change rather than merely inspire.

The Bridgestone Formula E World Premiere, held in Rome on 30 September ahead of the 2026/27 season, drew representatives from the FIA, Formula E, teams, drivers, international media and influencers. Global CEO Yasuhiro Morita shared his enthusiasm for the entry, while Chief Product Officer for Global Motorsports Hiroshi Imai and WEST Chief Technology Officer Emilio Tiberio detailed the tyre technology behind the GEN4. The new Bridgestone motorsport logo and design elements appeared on the GEN4 tyres for the first time, and Bridgestone’s Technical Center Europe subsequently offered demonstrations of the production site and the development work of engineers and test drivers.

Bridgestone will supply tyres for all races in the 2026/27 Season and will also serve as the title sponsor for the following four races:

Yasuhiro Morita, Global CEO and Representative Executive Officer, Bridgestone Corporation, said, “Our return to the FIA World Championship is an exciting re-entry that embodies Bridgestone’s history of passion and innovation. Under our Mission ‘Serving Society with Superior Quality’, we have continued to push the limits with an insatiable quest for performance and a sense of responsibility for a better future through motorsport activities. On the supreme stage of Formula E, we will further evolve the balance of performance and sustainability and pioneer a new future for mobility. Together with organisers, teams, drivers, partners and fans, we look forward to creating a new future.”

Jeff Dodds, CEO, Formula E, said, “We are delighted to welcome Bridgestone to Formula E as our sole tyre supplier for the 2026/27 Season and beyond. Combining rich motorsport heritage with cutting-edge sustainable innovation, Bridgestone is a fitting partner as we embark on this exciting new era. The GEN4 car represents the pinnacle of sustainable motorsport design, and we look forward to working with Bridgestone as we continue to redefine electric racing and lead the race for progress both on and off the track.”

Marek Nawarecki, Senior Circuit Sport Director, FIA, said, “Bridgestone’s appointment as the sole tyre supplier for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship marks an exciting new chapter as we enter the GEN4 era. The tyres will play a key role in delivering the performance and efficiency expected from this new generation of Formula E cars. Building on the collaboration already established during the development of the GEN4 tyres, we look forward to continuing this work with Bridgestone, Formula E and the teams to deliver tyres that meet the demanding requirements of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and contribute to close, competitive racing for drivers and fans.”

Hiroshi Imai, Executive Officer, CPO, Global Motorsports, Bridgestone Corporation, said, “We are truly delighted to showcase Bridgestone’s technology and passion to the world on the new stage of Formula E. In developing POTENZA GEN4, we pushed the limits of our technology to fully unlock the overwhelming performance of GEN4. In particular, the newly introduced POTENZA GEN4 for TYPHOON TYRE represents a symbolic evolution for the GEN4 era, enabling drivers to confidently take on even wet conditions. By supporting the dramatically evolved GEN4 from the ground up, we are also advancing initiatives towards carbon neutrality and resource circulation, striving to realise sustainable motorsport. We will continue to deliver the superior quality to circuits around the world, bringing new excitement and inspiration to racing fans worldwide.”

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Kumho Tire USA celebrated a strong result at Round Seven of the Formula DRIFT PRO Championship, where KUMHO driver Jack Shanahan drove his E82 BMW to a third-place finish at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on KUMHO Ecsta V730 tyres. The Las Vegas podium was Shanahan’s third of the season, following a third-place result at the Streets of Long Beach opener and a second-place finish at Round Four in Stafford Springs, Connecticut.

After qualifying sixth, Shanahan advanced through the main competition by defeating Jhonnattan Castro in the Top 32, Ryan Tuerck in the Top 16 and Chris Forsberg in the Great 8. In the Final 4, he faced his younger brother, Conor, in a close battle that ended when Jack dropped two tyres off course in Zone 4. Despite the narrow loss, he remains fourth in the standings with one round left in Long Beach, California, on 23–24 October.

The KUMHO Ecsta V730 is an extreme-performance summer tyre designed for exceptional grip, responsiveness and consistency under demanding track conditions, making it a proven option for competitive motorsports and enthusiast drivers.

Ed Cho, CEO, Kumho Tire USA, said, "Jack's performance this season continues to demonstrate not only the determination and skill of our drivers but also the reliability of KUMHO tyres. In high-pressure situations, our drivers can rely on KUMHO tyres to deliver the traction, responsiveness and control they need to compete at their best."

Shanahan said, "It's been an exciting season, and I'm proud to have secured another podium finish with the consistent performance of the KUMHO Ecsta V730 tyres. The team and I are looking forward to carrying this momentum into the final round next month and fight for the Championship podium."

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