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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Tyres Europe has underscored that tyres qualify as fully recyclable under ISO 22628:2002 and UN Regulation No. 133, describing the established methodology as a robust foundation for assessing tyre recyclability. The organisation recently set out its position on the matter.

The distinction between recyclability and actual recycling rates is central to the group's argument. Recyclability refers to the technical potential of a product and its materials to be recycled, while the real rate hinges on treatment capacity and demand for secondary raw materials. Regulatory frameworks should therefore separate the two concepts clearly and align with an internationally recognised standard.

Tyres consist of rubber compounds, chemical additives and reinforcing textile and steel cords, and at end of life they are separated into rubber, textile and steel fractions, all of which existing mechanical or chemical routes can recycle. Mechanical processing yields rubber granules and powders usable as secondary raw materials across many applications, recovered textiles can be further processed and valorised, and cleaned recovered steel can re-enter metal recycling and steelmaking.

Tyres Europe pledged continued cooperation with policymakers and value-chain partners to strengthen circularity and maximise recovery of valuable tyre materials in Europe, with the full paper available on its website.

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Prinx Chengshan showcased comprehensive tyre solutions for diverse North American driving needs at the 2026 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. The company presented products designed to address the continent's varied geography and climate, where drivers seek year-round performance from a single tyre set.

The PRINX HiSEASON 4S HS1 and Fortune CLIMAFLEX 4S FSR402 deliver consistent grip and handling in snow and wet conditions, with low noise and long tread life balancing comfort and cost efficiency. For off-road capability, the PRINX HiCOUNTRY A/T2 and Fortune TORMENTA A/T 2 provide puncture resistance and traction on unpaved roads, resisting cuts from sharp gravel – suited to 4×4 and SUV owners who combine commuting with off-road excursions.

At the show, Prinx Chengshan's sales team engaged in extensive discussions with North American distributors, channel partners and end users about real-world applications of all-season and off-road tyres. The team gathered substantial firsthand market feedback and reached preliminary understandings on future cooperation, laying a foundation for continued North American expansion.

As Chengshan Group marks its factory's 50th anniversary, Prinx Chengshan continues strengthening international brand presence. In 2026, PRINX entered the European commercial vehicle market, partnered with the Garrett Trucksport team at the FIA European Truck Racing Championship and became an official USL partner. The Fortune brand maintains a strong North American presence through USA Pickleball sponsorships. The SEMA appearance highlights product strengths and globalisation progress as the company pursues coordinated development across overseas capacity, distribution, branding, and supply chain.

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TyreSafe, UK’s leading tyre safety charity, has announced Nottinghamshire Police as an official partner, joining the network of police forces committed to promoting safer tyres and safer roads. The collaboration aims to raise awareness of the essential role tyres play in road safety, urging road users to conduct regular checks and address problems promptly. TyreSafe maintains that partnerships between road safety organisations and police forces are a valuable means of building awareness and helping prevent avoidable incidents.

The partnership arrives amid ongoing road safety concerns in Nottingham and the surrounding county. Department for Transport road safety data, published through its STATS19 dataset, recorded 780 personal-injury collisions in Nottingham in 2025, involving 900 casualties. Eight were fatal and 164 resulted in serious injuries, with the total exceeding the 761 recorded in 2024. Although collisions can have many contributing factors, tyre condition remains an essential element of vehicle safety that every driver can help manage.

Tyres represent a vehicle's only point of contact with the road, influencing grip, braking, steering and stability. Incorrect tyre pressures, damaged tyres and insufficient tread can compromise performance, particularly in wet weather and during emergency manoeuvres. Nottinghamshire Police serves a diverse area of around 834 square miles, spanning Nottingham's urban centre, major towns, rural communities and extensive road networks. Home to approximately 1.16 million residents and two major universities, the area saw more than six billion vehicle miles travelled across Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County combined in 2025.

Through joint efforts, TyreSafe and Nottinghamshire Police aim to reinforce the importance of regular tyre checks as part of a wider commitment to responsible driving and reducing road casualties. The addition of Nottinghamshire Police strengthens this shared commitment, supporting TyreSafe's work with partners across the country to make tyre safety a priority for every road user.

Stuart Lovatt, Chairman, TyreSafe, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Nottinghamshire Police as an official TyreSafe partner. Police forces play a vital role in keeping our roads safe, and their support helps us reach more drivers with a message that can make a real difference. Tyre safety is sometimes overlooked, yet it is fundamental to how a vehicle performs on the road. Drivers may take care to observe speed limits and remain alert to hazards, but they also need to ensure their vehicles are safe and their tyres are in the right condition for the journey. By working with Nottinghamshire Police and our wider network of police partners, we want to make tyre checks a simple, everyday habit. Checking air pressure, condition and tread depth can help drivers identify problems before they become more serious and contribute to safer journeys for everyone.”

Chief Inspector James Walker, Operational Support department at Nottinghamshire Police, said, “Road safety is a shared responsibility, and ensuring vehicles are safe and roadworthy is an important part of protecting everyone who uses our roads. Tyres are the only point of contact between a vehicle and the road, yet their condition and pressure can easily be overlooked. We’re pleased to be partnering with TyreSafe to help raise awareness of the importance of tyre safety and encourage drivers to make regular checks part of their routine. Taking a few moments to check tyre pressure, tread depth and overall condition can help identify potential problems before they put drivers, passengers and other road users at risk. By working together, we can help spread this important message and support safer journeys across Nottinghamshire.”

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Trelleborg Tires unveiled two new agricultural tyre solutions at the ongoing EIMA International 2026 in Bologna, Italy, expanding its premium portfolio with products engineered for demanding field applications. The CR3000 and PneuTrac Aqua were presented during a dedicated conference at Hall 14, Stand B2, combining advanced engineering and application-specific technologies developed over decades of expertise.

The CR3000 addresses the harvesting segment, designed for high-power combines operating in challenging conditions. Its Off-Stubble Technology pairs an optimised structure with a dedicated compound to resist crop residue damage, while an interlug design improves self-cleaning and maintains traction across varying soils. Integrated VF-CFO technology reduces soil compaction and supports higher cyclic loads, together extending tyre life and sustaining productivity when harvest hours are critical.

For centre pivot irrigation systems, the PneuTrac Aqua targets continuous operation in wet fields where traction, stability and uninterrupted performance are essential. The tyre combines an airless PneuTrac carcass, an Omega-shaped sidewall using CupWheel technology by Galileo Wheel Ltd. and a ProgressiveTraction tread design. Its puncture-proof construction eliminates maintenance and replacement, while the wide, uniform footprint minimises soil compaction and supports consistent ground contact in water-saturated soils.

Both solutions reflect Trelleborg's focus on helping agricultural professionals maximise productivity throughout the season. The CR3000 delivers stubble protection, high load capacity and extended tyre life, while the PneuTrac Aqua ensures maintenance-free irrigation performance. Together, the launches reinforce the company's commitment to long-lasting value and high performance in the field.

Luca Sabelli, Global Marketing Director, Trelleborg Tires, said, “Innovation is most valuable when it responds to real agricultural needs. CR3000 and PneuTrac Aqua are developed for two highly specialised applications, bringing together advanced engineering and decades of expertise for unmatched productivity. At EIMA 2026, we are proud to showcase these latest innovations and demonstrate how Trelleborg Tires continues to drive the future of agricultural productivity through premium tyre technology.”

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