M&A Deals: A Bullseye for Cyberattacks
M&A transactions are a prime target for cybercriminals. While executives might think of cyber threats as planned attacks, hackers become active as soon as a deal is announced, probing for weaknesses. The period from announcement to integration creates heightened risk due to: Increased network activity: Employees from both companies ramp up activity, potentially exposing vulnerabilities. Sophisticated attacks: Hackers use advanced techniques like deepfakes to steal confidential information like intellectual property. Ransomware and extortion: Criminals may lock down systems with ransomware or exploit resources for illegal activities. Undocumented backdoors: Unpatched systems, legacy devices, or forgotten web portals can provide easy access points. Supply chain vulnerabilities: Tens of thousands of system interfaces create opportunities for attackers. Cybersecurity Due Diligence is Crucial For a successful M&A, both buyer and seller need thorough cybersecurity due