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!

Bridgestone Retail Operations, the world’s largest network of company-owned automotive service providers and a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, has donated 10 new passenger vans to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The contribution brings the company’s total giving to more than 100 vans and over USD 30 million since 2015, a milestone that aligns with the 100th anniversary of Bridgestone-owned Firestone Complete Auto Care.

The 100th Driving Great Futures van was presented to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area in Austin, Texas, while the nine remaining vehicles will go to local Clubs nationwide. These vans will transport young people to and from Clubs and provide access to field trips, college tours and other enrichment activities. Bridgestone will further support the recipient Clubs by servicing the new vehicles at its retail stores.

Recipients of the 2026 van grants include Clubs in Austin, Texas; Reno, Nev.; Lynn, Mass.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Topeka, Kan.; Garden Grove, Calif.; Santa Rosa, Calif.; Greenville, Texas; West Bend, Wis. and Albany, Ga.

Bridgestone launched its Driving Great Futures national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 2015 to help more young people access the opportunities, experiences and support they need to succeed. Through donations collected at its retail stores, the company has addressed transportation-related needs and bridged technology gaps by funding new computers and hotspots for in-person programming, virtual classroom learning and other infrastructure needs.

Marko Ibrahim, President, Bridgestone Retail Operations, said, “Donating our 100th van as we celebrate 100 years of business is a testament to the dedication and generosity of our teammates and customers. We believe in the transformative power of Boys & Girls Clubs and are honoured to provide the critical transportation that makes their life-changing resources accessible to kids and teens in the communities we serve.”

Jim Clark, President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, said, “For more than a decade, Bridgestone has helped ensure Club kids and teens can access the opportunities and support they need to succeed. Reliable transportation helps connect young people to caring mentors, safe places and experiences that can change the trajectory of their lives. Today, 97 percent of Club kids expect to graduate from high school, and partnerships like Driving Great Futures help make outcomes like that possible. We’re grateful for Bridgestone’s continued commitment to young people and proud to celebrate this remarkable 100-van milestone.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Cooper Tires has unveiled the all-new Discoverer HT, a highway mixed-terrain tyre engineered for drivers who depend on their vehicles daily. Designed specifically for popular trucks and SUVs, the tyre was created to handle the tasks that let drivers take full advantage of their vehicle's potential.

The tyre features tall, straight sidewalls and an optimised footprint that places a maximum amount of tread in contact with the road, helping provide confident handling and stability even when carrying heavy loads. Engineered for long-lasting value without compromising performance, the mixed-terrain tyre carries a 70,000-mile/115,000-km limited treadwear warranty on Metric sizes and a 55,000-mile/90,000-km limited treadwear warranty on LT-Metric sizes. Its durable construction is designed to support hauling, towing and carrying heavy loads, while the optimised tread footprint and sidewall design deliver stable handling. 3D Micro-Gauge technology enhances traction throughout the tyre's life, and the long-wearing tread is designed for durability and a quiet ride even on rough and uneven surfaces.

The Discoverer HT will be available in 19 popular sizes beginning in October 2026, with an additional 16 LT sizes anticipated in the first quarter of 2027. Rim sizes range from 16 to 22 inches, and the tyre is offered at local Cooper authorised retailers and online store. It is manufactured at three US facilities: Texarkana, Arkansas; Findlay, Ohio and Tupelo, Mississippi. Cooper also introduced a refreshed brand identity signalling strength, purpose, and confidence, with branded merchandise and apparel available through a dedicated page on the Goodyear website.

Brad Heim, Vice President – Product Development Global Consumer, Goodyear, said, "The toughest jobs aren't always the biggest ones. They're the ones you show up for every day. Constructed for today's truck and SUV owners, the Cooper Discoverer HT combines everyday comfort with dependable highway performance, helping drivers stay confident whether they're pulling a trailer, carrying a heavy load, driving across town or covering hundreds of miles in a single day."

Alain Kohnen, Vice President, Global Manufacturing, said, "The Cooper Discoverer HT reflects more than a century of US manufacturing expertise behind the Cooper brand. This new tyre showcases what our teams do best: build high-quality, US-made products that deliver the durability and dependable performance drivers count on every day."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

DUNLOP (company name: Sumitomo Rubber Industries) will present its latest innovations at the Rubber & Elastomer Technical Exhibition, scheduled for 3–6 November at the Aichi International Convention & Exhibition Center (Aichi Sky Expo). The event runs concurrently with the International Rubber Conference 2026 (IRC2026 AICHI), marking the first time in a decade that the conference is held in Japan since IRC 2016 Kitakyushu.

The company’s booth (#82) will highlight efforts to generate new value in mobility, sports, healthcare and daily life through its proprietary Rubber and Analytical Technology, refined over many years. Under its Long-term Corporate Strategy R.I.S.E. 2035, the firm envisions continuing to deliver new experiential value born from rubber to everyone. The exhibition will feature latest technologies tied to further innovation originating from rubber, identified as a growth driver for that vision.

Attendees will be able to observe how the proprietary technology is being applied across the four fields. A key tyre display is the SYNCHRO WEATHER, a next-generation all-season tyre using Active Tread Technology that lets rubber properties change with road conditions. Also featured is the WINTER MAXX ICE Pro, a new studless winter tyre engineered to maximise on-ice performance through newly developed rubber compounds and a new tread pattern design, alongside a reference exhibit of sustainable tyres made with Russian dandelions as a raw material.

Additional exhibits span several categories. In sports, a reference exhibit of the SRIXON Z-STAR +e80 golf ball carries a sustainable materials content of 82 percent. Industrial products include MIRAIE, a vibration damper for detached wooden houses that reduces building vibration amplitude during earthquakes via high-damping rubber, and safe, high-quality rubber parts for medical applications developed with polymers, rubber-processing technology and clean technology. New business displays comprise reference exhibits of rubber materials for 3D printing that retain rubber’s inherent elasticity, resilience and durability, and space-grade rubber materials, showcasing R&D initiatives and prototype materials for harsh space environments.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Michelin has introduced the Michelin X Multi Energy Z2, a new truck and bus tyre developed and tested for Indian road conditions.

The new products are manufactured at the company’s facility in Chennai, and the tyres will be available across India from 1 November 2026.

The Michelin X Multi Energy Z2 is designed for all-position fitment on commercial vehicles and incorporates the Carbion tread compound blend alongside InfiniCoil and Duracore technologies.

Testing conducted by Michelin indicates fuel savings of up to six percent in the 295/80R22.5 dimension and up to 13 percent in the 295/90R20 (tube type) dimension compared to commercial competitors. The design delivers a footprint up to five percent larger to improve grip in wet and dry conditions, alongside an 11 percent increase in summit strength and up to 25 percent longer tread life.

In terms of sustainability, the tyres contain up to 30 percent recyclable materials, and the Chennai manufacturing plant operates using 45 percent renewable energy. The model will be distributed through Michelin Tyres & Service stores and 300 authorised dealerships nationwide.

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, "India’s commercial vehicle sector is the backbone of the nation’s economy, and fleet owners are increasingly looking beyond the upfront cost of a tyre to its overall value throughout its life. Developed for Indian highways, the MICHELIN X Multi Energy Z2 addresses these needs by combining fuel efficiency, longer tyre life and enhanced robustness to help reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). With up to 13 percent fuel savings, 25 percent higher mileage and 11 percent better ply strength enabled by our Duracore technology, it is designed to help fleet operators optimise operating costs, improve productivity and strengthen their margins. At Michelin, we are committed to being a performance partner to Indian fleet owners, bringing advanced, locally relevant mobility solutions that help make every kilometre count."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!