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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Bridgestone has released research indicating that over 80 percent of UK motorists believe basic tyre knowledge should be mandatory for new drivers during learning and after passing their test. The survey found that 81 percent of respondents want new drivers to understand correct tyre pressures, tread depth regulations and tyre pressure monitoring systems. Additionally, 57 percent expressed support for graduated driving licences aimed at young motorists, reflecting broader calls for enhanced safeguards during early independent driving.

The findings also reveal strong public backing for more rigorous enforcement, with 67 percent of motorists advocating for tyre safety inspections during routine police traffic stops. Beyond individual owners, 76 percent of respondents asserted that employers should bear greater responsibility for ensuring tyres on all work-related vehicles are properly maintained. Furthermore, 78 percent called for dedicated tyre safety education to be introduced for young people before they reach driving age, underscoring a collective desire for preventative measures that begin well before a first lesson.

The survey results coincide with newly published Department for Transport data showing a significant deterioration in tyre-related road safety outcomes. The number of people killed or seriously injured in collisions involving illegal, defective or underinflated tyres rose by 19 percent year on year, from 169 casualties in 2024 to 201 in 2025. Overall, tyre-related incidents accounted for 667 casualties during 2025, a 14 percent rise from 585 the previous year, while collisions attributed to defective tyres climbed to 447.

This research builds upon Bridgestone’s 2025 study, which identified substantial backing for additional protective measures for novice drivers. Half of respondents supported displaying a recently passed sign for up to 12 months and limiting new drivers to one passenger during their first year, while 39 percent favoured a mandatory refresher course after passing the test and 21 percent endorsed restricting new drivers to a 50-mile radius from home for 6 to 12 months. The findings reinforce Bridgestone's Road Safety Hero campaign, promoting regular tyre checks as part of the company's broader E8 Commitment to enhance driver safety and sustainable mobility.

Helen Roe, Senior Marketing Manager, Bridgestone UK, said, “The latest findings reinforce our belief that tyre safety should play a far greater role in helping young drivers develop safe driving habits from day one. Despite tyres being the only point of contact between a vehicle and the road, tyre maintenance remains one of the most overlooked aspects of vehicle safety. We have seen some high-profile cases of preventable road fatalities due to defective tyres and we can’t stress the importance of knowing the tyre basics and carrying out some simple checks, which can be done in a matter of minutes.

“Learning to drive doesn't stop the day someone passes their test. Developing safe habits, including understanding how to check and maintain tyres, is an important part of becoming a confident and responsible driver. It's encouraging to see such strong public support for improving tyre safety education and ensuring motorists understand the importance of looking after the only part of the vehicle that actually touches the road. Simple checks can make a real difference to road safety, not only for new drivers but for everyone using our roads.”

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Continental has expanded its ContiTread portfolio with the launch of the ContiTread HDR 3 HT, a premium retread engineered for fleet applications requiring enhanced durability, operational efficiency and reliable all-season capability. The new offering is positioned to streamline fleet maintenance while delivering robust performance across diverse driving conditions.

The retread features a non-directional tread pattern that simplifies tyre rotation and reduces inventory complexity, directly supporting improved fleet uptime and more manageable maintenance schedules. This design choice reflects Continental’s focus on practical, fleet-friendly solutions that minimise operational friction.

Engineered for all-season confidence, the ContiTread HDR 3 HT provides dependable traction on icy and snowy surfaces, alongside stable handling in wet and dry environments, ensuring consistent year-round performance. The tyre also incorporates an advanced high-mileage compound formulated for regional services, promoting extended wear on both highway and local routes while enhancing resistance to cuts and chips to guard against road hazards.

Replacing the ContiTread HDW2 in all sizes except the 265, the HDR 3 HT is available in sizes 210, 220, 230 and 240 with a 27/32-inch tread depth. By combining efficiency, durability and versatile performance, Continental aims to help fleets maximize productivity and reduce overall operating costs.

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Egypt has taken a step towards establishing a USD 500 million tyre manufacturing complex in the Sokhna Industrial Zone, according to Daily News Egypt, following the signing of a letter of intent between the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) and China’s Zhongce Rubber Group.

Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid and SCZONE Chairperson Mostafa Sheikhoun witnessed the signing, which sets out a framework to study the project’s feasibility and assess its technical and investment requirements.

The proposed development would span about 600,000 sq metres and be implemented in three phases. Around 95 per cent of production, comprising passenger car and truck tyres, would be directed towards export markets.

Farid, as per the report, said the agreement marked “an important step towards exploring the establishment of an integrated industrial project in the tyre sector”, adding that it reflects efforts to attract foreign direct investment, expand production and boost exports.

He said Egypt’s geographical position, infrastructure and logistics capabilities support access to markets in Africa, the Middle East and Europe, strengthening its potential as a regional manufacturing hub.

Sheikhoun said the project aligns with SCZONE’s strategy to attract industrial investment and deepen local manufacturing, adding that the Sokhna Industrial Zone offers logistical advantages and access to global trade routes.

Shen Jinrong, Chairperson and General Manager of Zhongce Rubber Group, said the company plans to implement the project in three phases, with investments of about USD 500 million He added that around 95 percent of production would be exported as the group seeks to expand in regional and international markets.

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Prinx Chengshan is showcasing its core brand portfolio at the 21st China International Tire and Wheel Expo (CITEXPO 2026), which commenced in Shanghai on 2 September. Having evolved over two decades, this annual gathering has solidified its status as a pivotal professional trade fair for the Asia-Pacific tyre and wheel sector. The company’s exhibition presence features its four principal labels: PRINX, Chengshan, Austone and Fortune.

A significant focus of Prinx Chengshan's recent corporate strategy has been the off-the-road tyre segment, where substantial industrial advancements have been achieved. The company has operationalised a green, intelligent manufacturing facility dedicated to OTR production, leading to the successful serial production of giant tyres in 27.00R49, 30.00R51 and 33.00R51 dimensions. The recent addition of a 57-inch model, which completed production in August, has expanded this product matrix and signifies a new developmental phase in speciality tyre engineering.

The company's technological prowess in the OTR field is demonstrated by specific products at the expo, including the ERD47 tyre for rigid dump trucks and the ET36 for wide-body dump trucks. These models serve as tangible evidence of the manufacturer's continuous research and development breakthroughs within this demanding sector.

In the passenger vehicle domain, Prinx Chengshan is presenting its newly launched Austone MEI series, which embodies the brand's philosophy of instilling driving confidence and aesthetic appeal. This series offers three distinct products: the Meizong all-terrain tyre, the Meijie ultra-high-performance tyre and the Meitu high-performance tyre. Also featured is the Prinx Chroma Sprite, which distinguishes itself with coloured sidewalls that challenge conventional tyre aesthetics while incorporating noise-reduction and anti-photo-oxidation technologies for enhanced durability.

Leveraging extensive commercial vehicle expertise, the company has developed proprietary technologies including GPT low rolling resistance, X-CHIP intelligent tyre and ETT wear-resistance for electric trucks. These innovations have established industry benchmarks in the replacement market and facilitated growth in original equipment segments. The Austone AAR608 for long-haul routes and the Fortune FDO307 for mining conditions are on display, showcasing the expanding scope of the company's industrial solutions.

Looking forward, Prinx Chengshan intends to persist with its integrated product and service approach, focusing on the varied requirements of global customers. By enhancing product quality, service delivery and brand equity, the company aims to contribute substantially to the sustainable progress of the worldwide transportation industry through its advanced manufacturing capabilities.

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