As mergers and acquisitions (M&A) accelerate across the globe cybersecurity is more important than ever for business. If confidential information is revealed during M&A due-diligence, or during post-M&A activities, the stakes are high.
The good news is that the appropriate software can aid M&A CISOs ensure the integrity of their data, ensure compliance, and guard against the risks that come with M&A activities. This includes the best data room software that integrates diverse digital tools into one single integrated platform that allows for simple uploads of files and a single sign-on. It also offers comprehensive auditing and reporting which helps compliance teams maintain control of their data and prevent accidental disclosure.
Virtual data rooms are an excellent way to manage the M&A process from due diligence to post-M&A integration and operations. VDRs make it easy for authorized users to read, share and comment on sensitive documents with no risk of leaks. They also allow users to create activity reports that indicate who has accessed and read specific document pages. These reports can stop malicious actors from leaking information since they can be traced to individuals. They can also help M&A CISOs assess the level of attention from potential buyers or investors.
Many M&A deals are built around the value of intellectual property. Life science companies, for instance, rely on virtual data rooms to handle everything from clinical trials’ results and HIPAA compliance to licensing IP and the storage of patient records. It is not unusual for companies to online data room be required to review and provide large volumes of documents in M&A due-diligence. This can be very time-consuming and labor-intensive for both the company that is acquired and the buyer. A VDR can be utilized to efficiently transfer all this data over an encrypted platform.
Whatever the field, M&A can be a complicated business process that can pose significant security risks. During the integration and operations phases of the M&A cycle The M&A team must be aware of the potential threats of cybercriminals as well as competitors. These risks could include malware, unauthorised access to systems and networks and sabotage as well as other kinds of disruptions that could harm the M&A value proposition.
With the right security measures in place M&A can be a profitable and enjoyable business experience. M&A provides businesses with an excellent opportunity to expand their footprint and add value. Before any transaction can begin, a M&A focused cybersecurity strategy should be implemented to ensure that the value of this deal is not diminished. For more information read our free guide, Cybersecurity for M&A: From the M&A Playbook. Todd Thiemann, director of marketing for products at ReliaQuest GreyMatter is a Security Operations Platform that makes cybersecurity possible via M&A. It provides transparency, cuts through the complex security stacks that are heterogeneous, and manages uncertainty and risk to help your company achieve its goals.