CASP+ Definitions: Mergers & Acquisitions
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in terms of cybersecurity refer to the process of integrating the information technology (IT) systems and networks of two companies that are coming together through a merger or acquisition. The goal is to ensure that the combined IT infrastructure is secure and the potential risks to data security and privacy are mitigated.
The M&A process involves a comprehensive review of the IT security policies, procedures, and controls of both organizations, identifying potential risks, and developing strategies to address them. This may include conducting a security assessment of the networks, systems, applications, and databases of both companies, evaluating the cybersecurity posture of their third-party vendors and suppliers, and aligning the security and compliance policies of the two entities.
It is crucial to ensure that the security of the new infrastructure is not compromised during the transition process. As such, it is essential to have a comprehensive plan in place for managing the integration process, including managing access controls, identity and access management, and disaster recovery planning. Additionally, both parties should evaluate and revise their incident response plans to address any new threats and vulnerabilities that may arise during the integration process.
