Secure Business M&A with Software for Secure Business M&A
As mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are increasing across the globe cybersecurity is more important than ever for businesses. The stakes are extremely high when confidential information is accidentally divulged to bad actors during M&A due diligence, or accidentally revealed during post-M&A integration and operations.
The good news is that the right 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 best data room software that combines various digital tools into a single platform that is easy to use with uploads of data and single sign-on. Additionally, it provides comprehensive auditing and reporting that aids compliance teams in maintaining control of their data and prevent accidental disclosure.
Virtual data rooms are an excellent method of managing the M&A process from due diligence to post-M&A integration and operations. VDRs allow authorized users to review, share and comment on sensitive documents without risk of leaks. They also provide the ability to create activity reports that reveal who has read and accessed specific pages of documents. These reports will deter bad actors from leaking data because they can trace them back to the individual user. These reports also let M&A CISOs assess the level interest from potential buyers or investors.
Many M&A deals are based on the value of intellectual property. Virtual data rooms are used by life science companies to handle everything from clinical trials to HIPAA compliance, from licensing IP and keeping patient records. It is not uncommon for companies to be asked to review and supply huge volumes of documentation during M&A due-diligence. This can be a labor-intensive and time-consuming process for both the company that is purchased and the acquirer. A VDR allows you to transfer all this information securely and efficiently.
No matter what industry, M&A can be a complicated business process that can pose significant security risks. In the integration and operation phases of the M&A cycle, the M&A team must understand the potential ideals virtual data room risks from cybercriminals and their competitors. These risks may include malware, unauthorised access to systems and networks and sabotage as well as other types of disruption that could undermine the M&A value proposition.
With the right M&A-focused security solutions in place, M&A can be a lucrative and rewarding business experience. M&A is a huge opportunity for businesses to create value and expand their international reach. Before any transaction can begin there must be an M&A focused cybersecurity strategy must be implemented to ensure the value of the deal is not diminished. To learn more about this, download our free guide Cybersecurity for M&A from the M&A Playbook. Todd Thiemann is director of marketing for the product of ReliaQuest GreyMatter, a Security Operations Platform that can make cybersecurity a reality through M&A by providing transparency, removing the complexity of multiple security stacks and reducing risk and uncertainty so that your company can achieve its goals.