As mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are increasing all over the world cybersecurity is more important than ever for businesses. If confidential information is accidentally disclosed during M&A due-diligence or post-M&A activities, the stakes are high.
The good news is that the appropriate software can help M&A CISOs ensure the accuracy of information, maintain the compliance of their organization, and help protect against the risks that come with M&A activities. This includes the right data room solution that combines several digital tools into a single integrated platform with easy file uploads and single sign-on, and offers comprehensive auditing and reports that help compliance teams keep control of their data and prevent accidental disclosure.
Virtual data rooms are an effective tool to manage the M&A processes, from due diligence through post-M&A operations and integration. VDRs enable authorized users to read and share sensitive documents without fear of leaks. They also provide the ability to create activity reports that indicate who has accessed and read specific pages of documents. These reports can deter criminals from leaking information because they can trace them back to specific users. These reports also allow M&A CISOs evaluate the level interest from potential m&a virtual data room buyers or investors.
Many M&A transactions are dependent on intellectual property. Virtual data rooms are used by life science companies to manage everything from clinical trial results to HIPAA compliance, from licensing IP to storage of patient data. When it comes to M&A due diligence, it is normal for companies to have to submit and review large amounts of documents. This can be a very lengthy and labor-intensive process for both the company that is purchased and the acquirer. A VDR can be utilized to efficiently share all this information via a secure platform.
Whatever the field, M&A can be a complicated business process that can create significant security risks. During the integration and operations phases of the M&A cycle, the M&A team must understand the possible risks posed by cybercriminals and competitors. These risks could include malware, unauthorized access to networks and systems, sabotage, and other types of disruption that could compromise the M&A value offer.
M&A can be an enjoyable and profitable business venture if you use the appropriate cybersecurity solutions. M&A is a huge opportunity for businesses to create value and expand their reach globally. Before any transaction can commence, a M&A focused cybersecurity strategy must be in place to ensure that the value of this deal is not diminished. Download our free guide Cybersecurity for M&A from the M&A Playbook to learn more. Todd Thiemann, director of product marketing at ReliaQuest GreyMatter is a Security Operations Platform which helps to make cybersecurity possible through M&A. It delivers transparency, cuts through the multi-layered security stacks and helps manage risk and uncertainty to help your business reach its goals.