Introduction

FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) sector is one of the largest industries of global and regional economic impact. With deep supply chains, vast distribution networks, and increasing reliance on digital technologies, from ERP systems and IIoT devices to smart factories and e-commerce, FMCG companies are now an attractive target for cybercriminals. As cyberattacks grow in frequency, depth and sophistication, cybersecurity is no longer an simple matter of concern alone; it is a board-level imperative.

This article outlines the cybersecurity landscape for the FMCG sector, highlighting threats, risk assessment strategies, standards like IEC 62443, and actionable best practices.

Major cyber threats in the FMCG sector

Ransomware attacks

FMCG companies, particularly those with legacy systems and limited cyber maturity, are prime targets for ransomware campaigns. Attackers encrypt business-critical data, ERP systems, supply chain platforms, manufacturing execution systems, and demand payment for its release.  

Supply chain attacks

The FMCG sector depends on a vast ecosystem of suppliers, logistics providers, and retailers. Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in third-party vendors to access FMCG networks. Compromised packaging firms, distributors, or transport systems can serve as backdoors into core operations.

Data breaches and IP theft

Customer data, trade secrets, product formulations, and marketing strategies are lucrative targets. With increased digital marketing and online ordering platforms, FMCG firms now store large volumes of consumer and sales data. A breach can damage reputation and regulatory compliance.

IoT and OT Exploits

Smart factories and automated packaging lines often use IoT and Industrial Control Systems (ICS). These are often poorly secured, running outdated firmware and lacking proper network segmentation, making them easy prey for attackers aiming to disrupt production.

Business Email Compromise (BEC)

Senior executives in procurement, finance, and supply chain functions are frequent targets. Through phishing and spoofing techniques, attackers impersonate CEOs or vendors to initiate unauthorized payments.

Risk and Gap Assessment: The first line of defence

Effective cybersecurity begins with identifying vulnerabilities and understanding business-critical assets using an IEC 62443-based risk and gap assessment.

Asset inventory and classification

Most FMCG companies struggle with maintaining an up-to-date inventory of their digital assets. Start by cataloging IT (e.g., servers, laptops) and OT (e.g., PLCs, SCADA, HMI) assets. Classify them based on criticality, e.g., ERP systems, distribution software, quality control machines.

Threat modelling

Map potential attack vectors for critical systems. For instance, identify how a cybercriminal could access your factory’s programmable logic controllers (PLCs) via remote access tools or compromised USBs.

Vulnerability scanning and penetration testing

Conduct regular vulnerability scans on IT infrastructure and periodic penetration tests to uncover exploitable weaknesses. Also include OT assets where possible.

Risk scoring and prioritization

Quantify the impact and likelihood of threats using frameworks like NIST or FAIR. This helps prioritize investments, e.g., you may find that securing remote vendor access is more urgent than implementing a new firewall.

Training and awareness: building a human firewall

Employees are the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain, but with proper training, they can become the first line of defence.

1. Security awareness programs

Conduct regular workshops and e-learning modules focused on:

· Phishing identification

· Secure use of USB devices

· Password hygiene

· Incident reporting protocols

2. Targeted role-based training

Customize training for different roles:

· Factory operators: Safe use of HMI/SCADA systems

· Procurement: Vendor security best practices

· Finance: Preventing invoice fraud and BEC scams

· IT/OT teams: Threat hunting, malware analysis, and network segmentation

3. Simulated Phishing Campaigns

Run internal phishing simulations to assess employee responses and tailor future training accordingly.

Aligning with IEC 62443: The Gold Standard for OT Security

IEC 62443 is the international cybersecurity standard for Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). For FMCG firms with factories and automated plants, compliance is increasingly critical.

Key Elements of IEC 62443

· Zone and Conduit Modeling: Segmenting networks into zones based on function and risk level and defining secure data paths (conduits) between them.

· Security Levels (SLs): Defining the maturity of protection mechanisms, from SL1 (casual violation protection) to SL4 (protection against sophisticated threats).

· Defense-in-Depth: Using multiple layers of security, firewalls, authentication, endpoint protection, to protect industrial assets.

· Secure System Development Lifecycle (SDLC): Ensuring cybersecurity is embedded from design to decommissioning.

Implementation in the FMCG Context

· Packaging and processing lines: Segment networks and restrict access to OEM vendors.

· Batch control systems: Apply role-based access and multi-factor authentication.

· Remote maintenance: Use secure VPNs and monitoring for vendor access.

IEC 62443 compliance not only strengthens security but is also a differentiator when bidding for global contracts or working with MNC partners.

Solutions and technologies to consider

OT Network Detection and Response

A mature solution such as Shieldworkz that can detect and respond to OT-specific threats using contextual threat intelligence.  

Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)

These protect against advanced threats and provide deep packet inspection. Deploy them at factory perimeters and between IT and OT networks.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

Deploy EDR tools on workstations, laptops, and even industrial PCs to detect and isolate anomalies in real time.

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

Aggregate logs from IT and OT devices into a centralized SIEM platform. Enables real-time correlation and alerting for suspicious activities.

Network segmentation

Use VLANs and demilitarized zones (DMZs) to separate IT from OT networks. Critical OT systems should not be directly accessible from the internet or email systems.

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Implement role-based access controls and multi-factor authentication for all business and operational systems.

Zero Trust Architecture

Assume breach by default. Continuously verify user identity and device posture before granting access.

Posture management for OT

To detect and fix vulnerabilities and security gaps arising from configuration or asset use.

Best practices for FMCG cybersecurity

Conduct a IEC 62443-based risk and gap assessment

To detect and address security gaps across the infrastructure  

Board-level cyber governance

Cybersecurity should be a regular agenda item for the board. Designate a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or a virtual CISO (vCISO) if resources are limited.

Incident Response Plan (IRP)

Develop and test an IRP tailored for manufacturing disruptions, ransomware containment, and data breach scenarios. Include roles, responsibilities, escalation paths, and post-incident reviews.

Vendor and third-party risk management

Screen vendors for cybersecurity maturity. Include contractual clauses on data protection, breach notification, and periodic audits.

Data backups and recovery

Maintain offline, immutable backups for critical systems. Periodically test restoration procedures to ensure business continuity.

Cyber insurance

Evaluate cyber insurance coverage that includes manufacturing disruptions, data breach liabilities, and third-party damages.

Challenges specific to the present cybersecurity context

· Legacy systems: Many FMCG factories still operate legacy OT systems not designed with cybersecurity in mind.

· Budget constraints: Cyber budgets are often minimal in comparison to the IT budget or CapEx.

· Skill shortage: Lack of trained cybersecurity professionals in OT environments.

· Regulatory gaps: No sector-specific cybersecurity regulation yet for FMCG in some geographies

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is no longer optional for the FMCG sector, it is essential for operational continuity, consumer trust, and regulatory compliance. By adopting international standards like IEC 62443 and NIST CSF, implementing robust risk assessment frameworks, investing in training, and deploying modern security technologies, FMCG companies can build resilient systems that withstand evolving cyber threats.

Proactive cybersecurity not only mitigates risk but can also be a business enabler, unlocking partnerships, protecting brands, and safeguarding the fast-growing consumer ecosystem.