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 reported a significant shift in UK consumer sentiment regarding electric vehicles, with new data indicating a sharp rise in drivers who reject the technology. The tyre manufacturer's survey reveals that 26 percent of motorists now declare they will never purchase an EV, up from 17 percent in 2025, while only 16 percent plan to acquire one within the coming year.

Persistent operational anxieties continue to overshadow the market. Battery durability and replacement costs trouble 55 percent of respondents, half worry about charging expenses and 44 percent express unease over range limitations and high sticker prices.

Infrastructure inadequacies further compound hesitancy, as 43 percent feel public charging stations remain insufficient and 41 percent are deterred by prolonged recharging times. Despite these barriers, 53 percent anticipate purchasing an EV within five years, while seven percent remain undecided.

Bridgestone is reinforcing its commitment through 'EV Ready' tyres like the Turanza 6, engineered for efficiency, safety and wear life across electric and combustion vehicles. These innovations align with the company's E8 Commitment and Ecology pillar, advancing sustainable tyre technologies and mobility solutions.

Drew Chapman, North Region Consumer Sales Director at Bridgestone, said, "Electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly familiar sight on our roads, but our research shows that many drivers still have genuine questions and concerns about making the switch. While some of the barriers are gradually reducing, issues such as battery life, charging costs and infrastructure remain front of mind for many motorists. The industry has made significant progress, but it's clear there is still work to do in building confidence among consumers.

"Whether drivers are behind the wheel of an EV, hybrid or conventional vehicle, they want products they can trust. Our focus is on helping motorists get the very best from their vehicles today while supporting the mobility solutions of tomorrow."

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has secured its place in three major global ESG stock indexes, marking over two decades of sustained recognition in sustainable investing. The company’s inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index Series now extends to 22 consecutive years, while its presence in the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Index has reached a 10th year and the Sector Relative Index a 5th year.

Developed and administered by FTSE Russell, a London Stock Exchange Group subsidiary, these benchmarks serve distinct investment purposes. The FTSE4Good Series is widely utilised by international investors as a reference for responsible portfolios. Meanwhile, the two Japan-specific indexes, designed to highlight domestic firms with exemplary ESG performance, have been adopted by the Government Pension Investment Fund to steer its own sustainable asset allocation.

Under the corporate sustainability motto of caring for the future, Yokohama Rubber continues to integrate social problem-solving into core business operations, thereby generating shared value. This longstanding index qualification reflects the firm’s consistent commitment to transparent governance, environmental stewardship and social responsibility, reinforcing its strategic focus on long-term value creation through ethical business conduct.

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Apollo Tyres Ltd has launched the Apollo Altrust Winter van tyre, a new addition to its commercial vehicle lineup engineered to deliver extended durability alongside reliable snow and wet-weather traction. Scheduled for European release in July 2026, this winter variant finalises the Altrust family, which already includes the popular summer and all-season iterations.

Developed entirely within Europe, the tyre achieves a top wet grip classification of ‘A’ and a noise rating of ‘B’ at 72 decibels. Offered in 15 size options across 15- to 17-inch rim diameters, the Altrust Winter is designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of vans and light commercial vehicles, including contemporary models such as the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter and IVECO Daily.

Superior handling on snow, ice and rain-soaked roads stems from several engineering innovations. A multi-pitch tread pattern optimises block sizing and spacing for consistent performance, while three-dimensional sipes enhance road biting capability. Additionally, the centre and shoulder lateral grooves have been strategically configured for swift water dispersal, which bolsters wet grip and lessens aquaplaning risks.

For fleet operators, longevity and reduced wear are critical to lowering total cost of ownership. Apollo’s research division formulated a compound with a balanced polymer-and-filler mix to boost abrasion resistance and curb material degradation. Reinforced shoulder tie-bars preserve a stable contact patch under heavy use, promoting even tread wear and sustaining all-weather effectiveness over the tyre’s lifespan. Noise management was also prioritised, with careful tuning of pitch sequences and shoulder block bridges to minimise acoustic output.

Udyan Ghai, Group Head – Marketing, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “Our research and development team in Enschede, The Netherlands, spent over two years exploring the needs of van owners and users, creating a winter van tyre that delivers an optimal balance of performance and value. They focused on those attributes that matter most to fleet operators and van drivers: safety, durability and low operating costs. We know that wet-weather performance is becoming increasingly important for operators across Europe, so we are particularly pleased to see the tyre secure an A rating for wet grip.”

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AI mobile data capture company Anyline has reported that approximately 15 percent of tyres inspected across United States during National Tire Safety Week, observed from 29 June to 5 July 2026, registered tread depths below the critical safety threshold of 3/32 of an inch. The analysis was derived from all professional-grade inspections conducted nationwide using the company’s TireBuddy application during that seven-day period.

Industry observers suggest the actual prevalence of unsafe tyres on American roads may be significantly higher, as motorists who voluntarily participate in inspection events typically exhibit greater safety awareness than the general driving population. This self-selection bias implies that the overall percentage of worn tyres among all vehicles likely exceeds the recorded figure.

The data emerges against a backdrop of approximately 11,000 annual tyre-related traffic incidents documented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, many of which involve tyres that showed no prior visible warning signs. National Tire Safety Week was established as an educational initiative to address this gap, given that gradual tread wear remains one of the most easily preventable contributors to highway accidents yet often goes unnoticed by drivers.

On 2 July 2026, Giti Tire collaborated with Anyline to host a complimentary inspection event at its North American headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Participants received an artificial intelligence-powered tread measurement via the TireBuddy app alongside a pressure check, with both metrics compiled into a single visual report. The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association advises motorists to conduct such evaluations at least once every two months.

William Estupinan, Vice President – Technical Service, Giti Tire, said, “We believe tyre maintenance education is most effective when it's personal. Providing drivers with a tread scan and air pressure reading for their own tyres brings tyre maintenance messages to life in a way that's meaningful and actionable.”

Christoph Braunsberger, CEO, Anyline, said, “Road safety is built from small, routine decisions and few are overlooked as tyre condition. National Tire Safety Week brings that risk into focus and reminds drivers how much a simple check can reveal. Our role is behind the scenes: giving the technicians who carry out inspections a more accurate, consistent way to measure tread depth. Precision like that is what safer roads are built on.”

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