As mergers and acquisitions (M&A) grow all over the world cybersecurity is more important than ever for businesses. If confidential information is accidentally disclosed during M&A due diligence or in post-M&A activities, the stakes are high.
The good news is that the right software can help M&A CISOs ensure the integrity of data, maintain compliance, and safeguard against the risk associated with M&A activities. This includes the best data room solution that consolidates various digital tools into a single integrated platform with easy uploads of data and single sign-on. Additionally, it provides comprehensive auditing and reports that help compliance teams keep control of their data and prevent accidental disclosure.
Virtual data rooms are a great method of managing the M&A process, from due diligence through post-M&A integration and operations. VDRs allow authorized users to review and comment on sensitive documents with no risk of leaks. They also permit users to create activity reports that indicate who has accessed and read specific document pages. These reports will deter people who are leaking data because they can trace them back to individual users. These reports can also help M&A CISOs datarooms.in evaluate the level interest from potential investors or buyers.
Many M&A deals are based on the value of intellectual property. Life science companies, for example utilize virtual data rooms to manage everything from clinical trial results and HIPAA compliance to licensing IP and storages of patient files. It is not uncommon for companies to be asked to review and supply massive volumes of documents as part of M&A due-diligence. This can be a very labor-intensive and time-consuming process for both the company that is purchased and the buyer. A VDR can be used to efficiently transfer all of this information over secured platforms.
M&A is a complicated business process that poses significant security risks, irrespective of the industry. During the integration and operations phases of the M&A cycle the M&A team must be aware of potential risks posed by cybercriminals and competitors. The risks could include malware, unauthorised network and system access or sabotage as well as other disruptions that can affect the value proposition of M&A.
M&A can be an exciting and profitable business experience with the right cybersecurity solutions. M&A gives businesses an opportunity to increase their global footprint and enhance their value. To ensure that this value is not compromised, a focused cybersecurity strategy should be in place before any transactions are initiated. To find out more get 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 can make cybersecurity possible through M&A. It gives visibility, cuts through complexity of the various security stacks, and manages risk and uncertainty to help your business achieve its goals.
