Authors: Dr Anuranjita Dixit
Abstract: IoT has disrupted supply chains worldwide by incorporating smart sensors, RFID tags, cloud-based visibility systems, autonomous tracking devices, robotics, and data-driven logistics. IoT-SC provides considerable operational benefits, including real-time tracking, predictive maintenance, inventory automation, transportation optimization, and responsive decision-making. However, it simultaneously brings in serious cybersecurity challenges due to the distributed nature of IoT ecosystems, resource-constrained devices, heterogeneous communication protocols, and exposure to public networks, vulnerabilities in every supply chain layer-from procurement and manufacturing to warehousing, distribution, and last-mile delivery.This research paper will comprehensively analyze the threats, vulnerabilities, and risks in IoT-enabled supply chains in regard to cybersecurity. It reviews the existing literature, maps attack surfaces, and evaluates major cyberattacks affecting supply chain IoT infrastructure, such as malware propagation, DDoS attacks, side-channel attacks, data tampering, firmware manipulation, RFID spoofing, GPS jamming, and supply chain infiltration via compromised vendor devices. The paper will also propose a multi-layer security framework for IoT-based supply chains that includes device authentication, lightweight encryption, blockchain-based integrity, intrusion detection systems, AI-driven anomaly detection, ZTA, and post-quantum cryptography.The goal is to emphasize the importance of robust cybersecurity strategies that would effectively protect IoT-enabled supply chains against emerging threats without compromising efficiency, scalability, and interoperability. The paper concludes with some future research directions, emphasizing dynamic security adaptation powered by AI, threat simulation using digital twin concepts, and advanced cryptographic techniques appropriate for next-generation IoT ecosystems.
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