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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WESTLAKE wrapped up its participation at IAA Transportation 2026 in partnership with Interpneu and Pneuhage Fleet Solution, using the event to highlight its newest Gen II commercial truck tyre advances. The brand’s presence at Hall 12, Booth B66 centred on four newly introduced products: the WSL2 steer tyre, WDL2+ drive tyre, WTL2 wide-base trailer tyre and WTR PRO trailer tyre. Each was available to order during the exhibition, underscoring two priorities for European fleets, namely reduced rolling resistance and improved mileage.

Over the course of the show, WESTLAKE representatives engaged with fleet customers, distributors and industry partners on subjects including tyre performance, operating efficiency and shifting fleet requirements. The booth’s theme, ‘Strong Service. Strong Network.’, embodied the company’s intention to collaborate closely with customers and partners so that stronger service support can be delivered throughout Europe. Availability, service and a robust local network were likewise shown to matter alongside tyre performance itself.

Central to the display was the Long Run range, made up of the WSL2, WDL2+ and WTL2 for steer, drive and trailer axle positions in long-haul work. Both the WSL2 and WDL2+ have now secured EU Tyre Label Class A for rolling resistance, sharpening the range’s fuel-efficiency emphasis while preserving mileage and operational capability. The WSL2 targets stable handling and high mileage, the WDL2+ blends mileage, traction and efficiency for drive axles, and the WTL2 wide-base trailer tyre prioritises fuel efficiency, stability and wet-road performance.

The newly launched WTR PRO trailer tyre was also featured, signalling the high-mileage direction of the PRO series for applications where mileage and wear matter most. It employs a wider tread, greater pattern saturation and a wear-resistant tread compound to encourage longer mileage and more even wear. Beyond the four new products, WESTLAKE exhibited selected Gen II commercial tyres and outlined its ‘Our Green Way’ approach, offering a wider view of the portfolio and its efficiency and sustainable transport aims. The company will keep developing its Gen II portfolio around practical fleet needs while reinforcing its regional product and service offering.

Leo Liao, General Manager, ZC Rubber Europe, said, “IAA Transportation is always an important opportunity for us to meet customers and partners across Europe and understand what is changing in their daily operations. This year, many of the conversations came back to the same priorities: fuel efficiency, mileage and operating costs. Our new Long Run and PRO products are developed around these needs, with each range focusing on different priorities while still delivering balanced overall performance. We will continue working with our partners to strengthen the WESTLAKE offering in Europe.”

Robin Brucke, Head – Commercial Product Group Management, Pneuhage Management GmbH & Co. KG, said, “For fleets, tyre performance is the foundation of efficient operation, but long-term value also depends on availability, service and a reliable network behind the product. Our cooperation with ZC Rubber and WESTLAKE has developed over many years, with products and services evolving together around the needs of the market. The new Gen II range continues that journey and gives us a strong platform to support fleets across Europe.”

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Santosh Rubber Machinery Pvt. Ltd. has received the Export Merit Award from the All India Rubber Industries Association for outstanding export performance in rubber processing machinery during 2025–2026. This marks the company’s 24th consecutive export accolade, underscoring decades of engineering excellence, quality manufacturing, customer confidence and international collaboration.

An ISO 9001-2008 certified enterprise, Santosh is a leading name in quality rubber machinery. Its Mumbai facility spans 36,000 square feet and houses an ultra-modern workshop equipped with heavy production machinery. A team of qualified engineers and professionals brings 50 years of experience since 1966, continually expanding the manufacturing range. The firm offers India’s largest assortment of rubber processing machinery under one roof.

Serving customers from India to markets worldwide, Santosh remains dedicated to designing and producing machinery that delivers performance, reliability and value. The company expressed gratitude to its customers, partners and entire team, whose commitment makes each milestone achievable.

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Bridgestone has celebrated a landmark achievement in the 2026 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC), the world’s leading endurance motorcycle racing series. The BMW MOTORRAD WORLD ENDURANCE TEAM captured the title riding Bridgestone’s BATTLAX premium tyres, becoming the first European manufacturer ever to secure the championship. It also marked the seventh overall and sixth straight year that a Bridgestone-equipped team has claimed the EWC crown.

The Japanese tyre maker’s presence in the series dates back to 2017, when it began supporting full-season entrants with BATTLAX tyre engineered for grip, durability and predictable handling. In 2026, Bridgestone supplied 7 of the 17 full-season EWC class entrants. Its teams delivered a historic sweep, locking out the top five championship positions and, for the first time, claiming every podium place at each round.

The season tested tyres across extremes, from the cold opening 24 Hours Motos at Le Mans and variable weather at the 8 Hours of Spa Motos to rain and unseasonable cool at Suzuka and high heat and speed at the Bol d’Or finale. BATTLAX maintained consistent performance throughout, extending Bridgestone’s winning run to sixteen consecutive EWC races across four seasons.

Werner Daemen, Manager – BMW MOTORRAD WORLD ENDURANCE TEAM, said, "We are extremely proud to have achieved the world championship! Two years ago, we had the opportunity to work with Bridgestone, and to be honest, this was one of the keys to our victory. We are truly proud to work with such a professional company, and together with BMW, our team, and Bridgestone, we achieved this championship. We will definitely be back, and next year in Japan at Suzuka, we hope not to go for third place, but for first, and to compete again for the world championship. I want to thank everyone at Bridgestone – engineers, marketing, operations and all the people we have worked with. I hope to see you again next year. Thank you!"

Hiroshi Imai, Executive Officer, CPO (Chief Product Officer), Bridgestone Corporation, said, "First of all, I would like to send my congratulations to everyone at the BMW MOTORRAD WORLD ENDURANCE TEAM on winning the series championship! Also, I extend my sincere gratitude to all the fans who supported the races, every team that competed throughout the EWC season, event staff and everyone involved in organising the series, including FIM and the promoter EMP. With dramatically different conditions at each race, the BMW MOTORRAD WORLD ENDURANCE TEAM demonstrated outstanding adaptability and unity, delivering truly champion-worthy performances and inspiring fans around the world. We are also proud that, in the extreme challenge of EWC, we were able to work as one Bridgestone team to support these teams by providing BATTLAX tyres to maximise rider and machine performance. We will continue to refine our technologies at the racetrack and strive to develop and supply even higher-quality, higher-performance tyres so that, as a member of our partner teams, we can contribute to victory from the ground up."

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Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) threw its support behind Japan Festival Houston 2026, joining the weekend-long cultural showcase as both a sponsor and an active participant. The event served as a bridge between the company's Japanese origins and the Houston community it calls home.

Organised by the Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH), the two-day celebration gave visitors a window into Japanese culture. Attendees explored traditional and contemporary art, enjoyed live performances and authentic food, took part in family-oriented activities and browsed vendors selling Japanese merchandise and handcrafted items. The festival returns each year to honour Japanese culture in Houston while deepening ties between Japan and the United States.

KAI contributed as an Entertainment Underwriter sponsor, helping fund programming that made a weekend devoted to cultural connection, learning and community involvement possible. The occasion carried extra weight given that Kuraray reaches its 100th anniversary in 2026. Launched in Kurashiki, Japan, in 1926, the company evolved into a worldwide specialty chemical enterprise without losing its deep Japanese roots. For KAI's Houston-based employees, the festival became a way to honour that background and encourage cultural understanding close to home.

Over the course of the weekend, 21 KAI employees donated their time across various shifts, pitching in from Saturday morning until Sunday evening. Such involvement mirrors Kuraray America's wider dedication to supporting the communities where its workers reside and labour, and the company has backed the festival as a sponsor for several years running. KAI thanked every employee who volunteered, along with JASH for continuing to unite Houston through culture, education and meaningful interpersonal exchange, and offered particular gratitude to Mieko Davidson, Reiko Fuwa and Tomo Tani for their efforts.

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