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!

Hankook Tire has introduced the Winter i*cept evo 4, a new addition to its Alpine winter lineup. The studless tyre is designed for passenger cars and SUVs, targeting enhanced winter safety and fuel efficiency. It replaces the previous generation with a 5 percent improvement in snow grip, achieved through wider lateral grooves and semi-sipe technology. The next-generation model builds on Hankook's proven Alpine winter engineering, refining traction, braking, efficiency and tyre longevity even in the harshest winter conditions.

The tyre offers balanced grip compounds and hydroplaning resistance for wet braking, while an optimised curing process and balanced wear design extend mileage and fuel efficiency. A tread design focused on noise reduction provides a quieter, more comfortable ride by minimising road and impact noise caused by sudden braking and steering. All Hankook winter tyres carry the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake rating for severe snow service standards.

The evo 4 joins a broader winter portfolio that includes the studless Winter icept iZ3 for passenger cars and iZ3 X for SUVs and crossovers. Studded options include the Winter i*Pike RS2 for passenger cars, including sedans, coupes, hatchback, and some smaller crossovers depending on tyre size, and the i*Pike X for SUVs, crossovers and light trucks. The new tyre is backed by the SureTire Plan with a 30,000-mile treadwear warranty, a 30-day free trial, a limited warranty and road hazard protection, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Dealers can now order the Winter i*cept evo 4 in 37 SKUs and the SUV version in 45 SKUs. Consumer availability is expected later this fall.

K C Jensen, Vice President of PC/LT Sales, said, “Drivers need tyres that provide dependable control throughout the winter season. The Winter i*cept evo 4 combines stronger snow traction, enhanced wet braking and improved efficiency to help drivers navigate changing winter road conditions with confidence.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The AZuR network has welcomed North Rhine-Westphalia’s first circular economy strategy, viewing the explicit inclusion of used tyres as confirmation of its longstanding engagement. The strategy aims to move the state from linear value chains towards a circular economy and strengthen its position as a leading European location for such practices, with priority areas spanning circular construction, chemicals, technology, circular cities and a high-performing secondary raw materials sector.

Used tyres occupy a dedicated page within the strategy, granting political visibility to a material flow that already requires integrated approaches. These range from extending the service life of suitable tyres through repair and retreading to recovering secondary raw materials via mechanical and chemical recycling alongside complementary processes. The document identifies used tyres as a significant material flow in the state and highlights steel and rubber recovery as well as retreading.

The state government has signalled its intention to expand circular approaches to tyre reuse and recycling, expressly incorporating public procurement and the vehicle fleets of public companies. This reflects a core principle of the tyre circular economy, whereby suitable tyres should remain in use as long as possible, with repair, retreading and regrooving extending service life before mechanical and chemical recycling recover industrially reusable materials.

AZuR is paying particular attention to the political focus on retreading. The strategy notes that retreading is established for commercial vehicle tyres while passenger car retreading has declined, and the state government declares its intention to support retreading projects and further recycling processes. For the network, the inclusion of used tyres creates a starting point for linking the entire tyre circular economy with raw material security, secondary raw material markets, public procurement and industrial competitiveness.

AZuR maintains close contact with the relevant state ministries, contributing the experience and solutions of its network partners across the entire tyre value chain. It will continue this exchange and feed practical experience into implementation of the strategy, with the goal of keeping tyres and their contained raw materials in circulation for as long as economically viable.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Continental has introduced the ContiMotion EVO, the successor to its well-regarded ContiMotion sport touring tyre. The new model targets motorcyclists seeking a balanced blend of riding enjoyment, safety and longevity. It arrives with multiple product enhancements over the previous generation.

Technical upgrades include new carcass materials that deliver greater stability and consistency, translating into improved handling and more agile dynamics. Updated compounds further boost performance in both wet and dry conditions. The tyre also features Continental's EasyHandling technology for predictable steering, a hybrid silica tread compound for reliable grip, an advanced compound and dedicated pattern for extended mileage and ZeroDegree steel-belt construction with new carcass materials for high-speed stability.

The ContiMotion EVO suits sporty weekend riders and touring enthusiasts alike. It fits motorcycles such as the BMW R12 nineT, Triumph Daytona 660, Ducati Supersport 950, Honda CB 650R, Suzuki GSX-8TT and Yamaha MT-09. It can also be paired with the existing ContiMotion.

Christoph Ettenhuber, Head of Business Field Motorcycle Tires, Continental, said, “With the ContiMotion EVO, we’re offering a versatile sport touring tyre. It combines intuitive handling with reliable grip in both wet and dry conditions – all while delivering impressive mileage for everyday use. The ContiMotion EVO has been upgraded in key areas without losing the fundamental renowned qualities of its predecessor. Riders benefit from a tyre that is noticeably more agile. The ContiMotion EVO is compatible with a wide range of popular naked bikes, roadsters and modern classics.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Goodyear takes centre stage at Silverstone this weekend as title sponsor of the Goodyear 4 Hours of Silverstone, the second consecutive year it has headlined the European Le Mans Series event following its return to the calendar last year after a six-year break.

The manufacturer will equip 37 cars across LMGT3, LMP2 and LMP2 Pro/Am with its Racing Eagle tyres. LMGT3 entrants will use the Medium compound, chosen for its adaptability across varying conditions and driving styles, while LMP2 and LMP2 Pro/Am crews run their own Medium specification, a staple of the series since debuting at Le Castellet last season. Wet-weather Racing Eagle tyres remain available should conditions demand.

Silverstone's fast nature is set to shape tactics, with fuel consumption a likely determinant of pit-stop windows. Goodyear anticipates LMGT3 outfits will favour single-stinting to maximise pace on fresh rubber at every stop, whereas LMP2 and LMP2 Pro/Am squads could split between single and double-stinting approaches.

Off-track, Goodyear has arranged several activations. Vector Sport's #10 car ran a special Goodyear Racing livery last weekend at Caffeine & Machine's Warwickshire venue and will race in the same colours. The company also backs Friday's ELMS Charity Run, where Racing Eagle tyre stacks will mark each kilometre and runners finish beneath an inflatable Goodyear arch, with proceeds going to the Luca Guintoli Foundation, supporting families affected by childhood cancer. Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres additionally feature in NASCAR action at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois.

Stephen Bickley, Goodyear Endurance Program Manager, said, “Silverstone should be a fairly straightforward race from a tyre strategy perspective. The high-speed nature of the circuit means fuel consumption will be high, so fuel strategy is likely to be the main factor influencing pit stop timing. The tyre allocations broadly give teams the flexibility to change tyres at every stop, so there is less of a need to stretch a set of tyres purely to save time in a pit stop. We therefore expect teams across both categories to largely focus on single-stinting tyres. The biggest variable at Silverstone is always the weather, which can quickly change stint lengths and pit stop timing.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!