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 Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) has launched Member Spotlight Series, a new monthly initiative designed to profile the diverse organisations and leaders within the nation's tyre and rubber sector. The programme offers comprehensive examinations of member companies, covering their business models, technological advancements, environmental strategies and corporate philosophies.

Pirelli is the first company to be featured, with its profile providing insight into its leadership approach and industry contributions. Subsequent spotlights will be released monthly through TRAC’s digital platforms, including its official website, newsletters and social media channels, with each instalment detailing products, strategic goals and recent achievements.

By sharing these narratives, TRAC intends to bolster member connections and highlight the sector's role in Canada's economy and ecological progress. The series further aims to encourage knowledge exchange and collaboration, allowing members to share best practices and elevate awareness of the proficiency present within the domestic tyre and rubber industry.

Carol Hochu, President and CEO, TRAC, said, “One of TRAC’s greatest strengths is the expertise and leadership found across our membership. The Member Spotlight Series celebrates the companies and people shaping our industry while helping share the stories of innovation, advanced manufacturing, sustainability and collaboration that define Canada’s tyre and rubber sector.”

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TyreSafe has announced a new alliance with Logistics UK, marking a significant step in uniting efforts to enhance road safety, promote sustainable transport and disseminate best practices within the freight and haulage industry. This collaboration formalises the mutual dedication of both organisations to address critical safety challenges facing UK's transport networks.

Logistics UK, a prominent membership association representing over 21,000 enterprises, encompasses the breadth of the supply chain, including road, rail, water and air freight. Its extensive network accounts for nearly half of the national lorry fleet, comprising more than 200,000 vehicles. Through advocacy, training and compliance support, the organisation is instrumental in maintaining secure and efficient supply chains, making it a pivotal partner for TyreSafe's safety initiatives.

The partnership underscores the growing recognition of tyre management as a cornerstone of modern logistics, impacting not only vehicular safety but also operational costs and environmental footprints. Data indicates that a majority of tyres on UK roads are underinflated, leading to approximately GBP 1 billion in annual fuel waste and accelerating tyre degradation. Furthermore, tyre defects are a primary cause of MOT failures, with over two million infractions recorded yearly, and they contribute significantly to roadside breakdowns and motorway incidents.

For commercial fleets, the stakes are particularly high, as proper inflation and tread depth are directly linked to fuel economy, emissions reduction and cost efficiency. As part of this joint effort, TyreSafe will promote its specialised, vehicle-specific safety resources, offering tailored guidance for HGVs, vans and cars. This educational push aims to empower drivers and operators with the knowledge to conduct effective tyre checks, thereby mitigating risks and supporting the logistics sector's sustainability and operational goals.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “We are delighted to be partnering with Logistics UK, an organisation that shares our commitment to safer, more sustainable and more efficient transport. Tyres and their maintenance absolutely fundamental to fleet safety and performance. This partnership allows us to extend vital tyre safety messaging to a broad and influential logistics audience at a time when operators are balancing safety, compliance, cost pressures and sustainability ambitions. By working together, we can help ensure tyre safety remains firmly on the agenda across the sector.”

Arthur Gribbin, Engineering Policy Lead at Logistics UK, said, “Efficient logistics depends on vehicles operating safely, legally and reliably. Tyres play a critical role in achieving this, influencing everything from vehicle safety and fuel efficiency to downtime and environmental impact. By partnering with TyreSafe, we are helping ensure our members and the wider logistics community have access to trusted information and practical guidance to support safer and more sustainable fleet operations.”

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Continental has significantly broadened its Gravity mountain bike tyre lineup by introducing 13 new combinations, thereby offering riders extensive customisation options for aggressive trail riding, enduro racing and downhill disciplines.

The expanded portfolio now includes novel size, casing and compound pairings for the Argotal, Kryptotal Front, Kryptotal Rear and Xynotal models. Additional Trail Soft and Enduro SuperSoft variants are available for 29-inch and 27.5-inch wheels, while the trusted mixed-conditions tread remains accessible for 20-, 24- and 26-inch sizes.

This strategic enlargement underscores Continental’s dedication to providing gravity riders with tailored flexibility in balancing grip, control, durability and rolling efficiency. The Enduro casing with SuperSoft compound offers peak traction for demanding trails, whereas the Trail casing with Soft compound delivers a stable and durable option for aggressive riding.

Alexander Haenke, Product Manager for MTB & Gravel at Continental Tires, said, “MTB riders have very different needs depending on where and how they ride. With these 13 new tyre combinations, we are giving riders even more ways to find the perfect balance of grip, control and durability for their individual setup. Whether they are racing enduro, pushing their limits on technical trails or simply looking for maximum confidence on the descents, our expanded Gravity range offers the performance and flexibility they need.”

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AZuR partner Hofdmann Runderneuerungstechnik GmbH, based in Wittmund, has announced a significant expansion of its operational capabilities. The company, already well-known for its cold retreading services, is now integrating hot retreading for truck tyres into its production portfolio. This development follows the recent extension of the firm’s ECE R109 approval, and the first batches of hot-retreaded commercial vehicle tyres are already in production and entering the market.

This strategic move broadens Hofdmann’s technical expertise within the retreading sector and reinforces the tyre circular economy across Germany. As a longstanding member of the AZuR network, the company contributes deep knowledge in tyre repair, casing management and retreading processes. The addition of hot retreading complements the prevalent cold retreading method used in the commercial vehicle industry, offering enhanced options for specific tyre designs and applications, while both methods aim to extend the lifecycle of premium casings.

By diversifying its production programme, Hofdmann demonstrates that industry players are actively investing in retreading technologies and strategically scaling existing operations. This expansion not only bolsters the sector’s competitive position but also ensures a more reliable supply of retreaded tyres for fleet operators and commercial end-users. The process involves meticulous inspection of high-quality used casings before applying a new tread, significantly prolonging tyre usability prior to eventual material recovery or recycling.

The company’s capacity growth coincides with broader AZuR initiatives, including a recently launched European project group designed to strengthen collaboration among businesses, research bodies and value-chain stakeholders. With approximately 90 network partners, AZuR continues to pioneer solutions for maximising tyre usage and recovering raw materials. Hofdmann’s latest investment underscores that retreading remains a vital and enduring component of this sustainable industrial evolution.

Christina Guth, Network Coordinator of the Alliance for the Future of Tires (AZuR), said, “Every investment in retreading strengthens the European tyre circular economy. By expanding its hot retreading capabilities, Hofdmann is broadening its offering and creating additional opportunities to keep high-quality commercial vehicle casings in circulation for longer. This sends an important signal to the entire industry.”

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