Security News > 2021 > May > Why Evaluating Cybersecurity Prior to Mergers and Acquisitions is Necessary
Given the rise in third party breaches, including successful wide-scale attacks against major technology providers such as Solarwinds and Microsoft, Third Party Risk Management is becoming a critical concern for security teams responsible for the secure integration of third party systems and infrastructure during mergers and acquisitions.
With limited review time to evaluate security risks, firms engaged in mergers and acquisitions must hone in on specific areas of cybersecurity and dangers including "Outside the firewall" if they are to successfully identify and mitigate risks associated with their investments.
Maturity levels vary between organizations, but a moderate sized company lacking contemporary security controls, such as identity and access management or vulnerability management systems, tends to be a red flag that larger issues may exist that investors and firms should be aware of.
Vulnerability Management: Many organizations still lack an effective vulnerability management capability and seemingly struggle with asset inventory, configuration and release management, and timely patch management.
Endpoint Security Management: An effective endpoint security management solution must match the sophistication of threats targeting a business.
Incident Response Management: Organizations often lack incident response management capabilities and struggle with integrating emerging technologies, enhanced monitoring, and the establishment of playbooks and processes.