As mergers and acquisitions (M&A) grow around the world cybersecurity is more important than ever before for businesses. The stakes are high in the event that confidential information is not knowingly disclosed to bad faith actors during M&A due diligence, or accidentally revealed during post-M&A integration and operations.
The good news is the right software can assist M&A CIOs in ensuring the integrity of their data, maintaining compliance, and defending against the risks associated M&A activities. The best data room solution integrates digital tools into one integrated platform that allows for simple uploads of files, a single sign-on and extensive auditing. This helps compliance teams keep control by making sure that they do not accidentally disclose information.
Virtual data rooms are a fantastic way to manage the M&A process from due diligence to post-M&A integration and operations. VDRs permit authorized users to quickly review, share, and comment on sensitive documents, without risk of leakage. They also have the capability to create activity reports that show who has accessed and read specific document pages. These reports can prevent criminals from leaking information because they can be traced back to the individual users. They also allow M&A CISOs to evaluate the level of interest from potential buyers or investors.
Many M&A transactions are dependent on intellectual property. Virtual data rooms are utilized by life science companies to manage everything, from clinical trials to HIPAA compliance, from licensing IP to storing patient files. When it comes to M&A due diligence, it is normal for companies to have to provide and review large volumes of documents. This can be extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive for both the business that is acquired and the buyer. A VDR lets you transfer all this information securely and efficiently.
Whatever the industry, M&A can be a complex business process that may create significant security risks. In the integration and operation phases of the M&A cycle and beyond, the M&A team needs to be aware of potential risks of cybercriminals as well as competitors. These risks could include malware, unauthorised access to systems and networks, sabotage, and other kinds of disruptions that could compromise the M&A value proposition.
With the right cybersecurity solutions in place M&A can be a profitable and enjoyable business experience. M&A can provide businesses with an opportunity to expand their global footprint and add value. To ensure that this value is not compromised, a focused cybersecurity strategy should be in place prior to when transactions begin. To learn more read our free guide, Cybersecurity for M&A: From the M&A Playbook. Todd Thiemann is director of product marketing for ReliaQuest GreyMatter, a Security Operations Platform that allows cybersecurity to be achieved through M&A, delivering transparency, reducing the complexity of heterogeneous security stacks and managing risk and uncertainty so your company can reach its goals.
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