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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Maxion Wheels has graduated the first Indian cohort of its Formare vocational education programme and launched a second intake, marking the expansion of the initiative into Asia.

The programme, introduced in India in 2024 through a partnership between the Iochpe Foundation of Brazil and Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), combines classroom education with practical manufacturing training for students from underprivileged communities.

Twenty-six students enrolled in the inaugural cohort, with 23 completing the programme and receiving a diploma in Manufacturing Technology. Those who continue for a third year at SPPU will be eligible for a university graduation certificate.

According to Maxion Wheels, 87 percent of the graduates will begin their professional careers at the company's Pune operations.

"The graduation of our first Formare class in India is a proud and meaningful achievement, both for our students and for Maxion Wheels," said Sutheep Ratnabhas, President of Maxion Wheels' Asia Business Unit. "This programme reflects our belief that investing in education and skills development can transform lives while strengthening our communities and our business. We are especially encouraged and fortunate to see these young professionals beginning their careers with us."

The company also inaugurated the programme's second cohort, comprising 27 students, including six women, who account for 22 percent of the intake.

The ceremony at SPPU was attended by Mark Sinar, Vice President, Global Human Resources and Safety & Sustainability at Maxion Wheels, Rahul Vaidya, Managing Director of Kalyani Maxion Wheels, university representatives and the families of graduating and incoming students.

Graduates described the programme's impact on their personal and professional development.

"Formare has given me the confidence, skills, and opportunity to build a better future for myself and my family," said Aman Mulla. "I am proud to start my career with Maxion Wheels and excited for what lies ahead."

Abha Kamble said: "This programme opened doors I never thought possible. The combination of learning and hands-on experience has prepared us for real-world challenges."

Originally established by Brazil's Iochpe Foundation, the Formare programme has operated for more than three decades and has trained more than 28,000 young people. Maxion Wheels said it plans to introduce the programme in Türkiye later this year.

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Continental has transformed its European Roadshow into a long-term customer engagement platform, scheduled to traverse the continent through 2027. The initiative delivers the company’s newest commercial vehicle tyre technologies, trailer solutions and digital services directly to fleet operators. Following successful kick-off events in the Czech Republic and Denmark, the mobile tour is set to visit Norway and Finland, with further destinations to be announced.

This expanded programme underscores Continental’s strategic commitment to deepening customer ties through direct interaction. The initiative directly addresses critical fleet management concerns, including total cost of ownership, operational efficiency and the ongoing digitalisation of transport logistics. The company aims to position itself as a partner in solving real-world operational challenges.

Central to the roadshow is the Showtruck, a mobile consultation and demonstration hub that allows fleets to experience Continental’s portfolio within their local markets. Attendees navigate themed stations that link product innovations to practical fleet applications and everyday operational hurdles. A primary focus is the Generation 5 tyre portfolio, engineered for enhanced mileage, reduced rolling resistance and superior durability, alongside trailer tyre options and a preview of the upcoming Conti Efficient Pro HT 5.

The roadshow also highlights ContiConnect, a digital tyre monitoring system that supplies real-time data and actionable intelligence to support predictive maintenance and increase operational transparency. Traveling thousands of kilometres across Europe through 2027, the platform engages fleet operators, logistics firms, dealers and industry partners. By merging products, digital services and technical expertise, Continental reinforces its dedication to efficient, digitally connected transport solutions, with additional tour dates to be revealed.

Ivonne Bierwirth, Head of Marketing Communications – EMEA, Continental, said, "Fleet operators are under increasing pressure to improve efficiency, control operating costs and meet evolving industry requirements. The Roadshow allows us to engage directly with customers and demonstrate how our tyre technologies, digital solutions and expertise can help them address these challenges in their daily operations."

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Tyres Europe and the Association of Synthetic Amorphous Silica Producers (ASASP) have released a joint position paper on synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) in tyre manufacturing. The document highlights SAS as a critical component that improves wet grip, reduces rolling resistance and supports durability, thereby enhancing vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, electric vehicle range and lowering use-phase emissions.

A proposed harmonised classification for SAS is under consideration. Though not an outright ban, the industry warns it would likely compel manufacturers to phase out SAS during design rather than manage exposure, effectively bypassing practical risk controls.

Tyres Europe and ASASP urge regulators to base any action on robust evaluation of SAS properties, exposure conditions, established industrial uses and broader socio-economic impacts on European value chains. Policy measures must reflect these factors to avoid unintended disruptions.

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Tegeta Green Planet participated in the recent Social Design Days conference, a three-day event hosted by the Design Institute that centred on circular design and sustainable innovation. The gathering brought together diverse professionals to explore the intersection of creative disciplines and environmental responsibility.

During the proceedings, Tegeta Green Planet Director Shalva Akhvlediani engaged in a panel discussion that examined Georgia’s trajectory in building a circular economy. The conversation addressed the nation’s current obstacles and prospective avenues for growth, with a particular focus on systemic shifts in resource management and regulatory frameworks.

Akhvlediani pointed to measurable advancements in Georgia’s waste management infrastructure, the adoption of Extended Producer Responsibility standards and a growing national recycling ethos. These developments, he observed, are creating a robust base for more judicious resource utilisation and fostering habits of conscientious consumption. The panel further acknowledged that resourcefulness is deeply rooted in Georgian heritage, where mending, reusing and bequeathing goods were traditional practices, though modern consumerism has eroded these customs, necessitating a blend of age-old wisdom with contemporary circular strategies.

A critical takeaway from the discussion was the assertion that technological fixes and legislation alone are insufficient. Genuine progress, Akhvlediani argued, hinges on synergistic cooperation between designers, architects, researchers and creatives to engineer products and systems that prioritise longevity and recyclability from inception. Social Design Days proved instrumental in facilitating cross-sectoral dialogue, promoting circular principles and inspiring actionable solutions for national sustainability. Tegeta Green Planet reaffirmed its dedication to advancing these environmental objectives and supporting collaborative platforms that drive meaningful change.

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