Supply Chain (SC) Cybersecurity Risk Management Within Industry 4.0 Environment in Developing Countries

Abstract

Abstract The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies into supply chains (SCs) such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, additive manufacturing and the Internet of Things (IoT), has transformed sustainability, operational efficiency and transparency. This enhances green supply chain management’s (GSCM) integrity and resilience which enable the achievement of sustainability objectives in line with the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) agenda. However, the accelerated digital adoption post-COVID-19 in developing countries came with increased SC vulnerabilities which undermine its integrity, resilience and sustainability goals. This study aims to determine the main SC cybersecurity risks and to recognise strategies that can be adopted to counter SC cybersecurity risks in developing countries. A search for literature was done in the Scopus, Google Scholar and ProQuest databases between 2018 and 2025 using a systematic literature review (SLR). The common SC cyber vulnerabilities findings were phishing incidents, breach of confidentiality, SC software attacks owing compromised open-source components and data theft. Consequently, this chapter proposed the use of monitoring and intrusion detection systems, collaborations for risk intelligence sharing, developing standardised cyber security protocols, use of firewalls and data encryption. These cybersecurity measures aim to equip SC managers and practitioners in developing countries with tools to protect data integrity and support sustainable Industry 4.0 operations by seamlessly integrating cybersecurity protocols with sustainability strategies, thereby enhancing resilience against digital disruptions. This chapter ends with proposing areas for further research and conclusion.