As mergers and acquisitions (M&As) increase across the globe, cybersecurity is more important than ever before. If confidential information is revealed during M&A due diligence or in post-M&A transactions, the stakes are high.

The good news is the right software can assist M&A CIOs in ensuring the integrity of data, maintaining compliance, and defending against the risks that come with M&A activities. The ideal data room software brings together digital tools into one integrated platform that allows simple uploads of files, a single sign-on and comprehensive auditing. This assists compliance teams to maintain control by stopping accidental disclosure.

Virtual data rooms can be an effective tool to manage the M&A processes, from due diligence to post-M&A activities and integration. VDRs allow authorized users to quickly review and share comments on sensitive documents with no risk of leakage. They also allow users to create activity reports that show who has accessed or read specific pages of documents. These reports will deter malicious actors from leaking information, since they can be traced to specific users. They can also help M&A CISOs determine the level of interest from potential buyers or investors.

Many M&A deals are built around the value of intellectual property. Life science companies, for instance utilize virtual data rooms to manage everything from the results of clinical trials and HIPAA compliance to licensing IP as well as storage of patient records. When conducting M&A due diligence, it is common for companies to have to submit and review large amounts of documents. This can be a very labor-intensive and time-consuming task for both the company that is acquired and the acquirer. A VDR lets you transfer all this information securely and efficiently.

M&A is a complex business process that could pose significant security risks, irrespective of the industry. In the integration and operation phases of the M&A cycle the M&A team needs to be aware of dangers from cybercriminals and their competitors. These risks include malware, unauthorized access to the system or network or sabotage as well as other disruptions that could undermine M&A’s value proposition.

With the right security measures in place M&A can be a profitable and enjoyable business experience. M&A can provide businesses with an opportunity to increase their global footprint and increase their value. To ensure that this value isn’t affected, a specific cybersecurity strategy must be in place prior to any transactions are initiated. Download our free guide Cybersecurity for M&A – From the M&A Playbook to learn more. Todd Thiemann is director of product marketing at ReliaQuest GreyMatter, a Security Operations Platform that allows cybersecurity to be achieved through M&A by providing transparency, removing the complexity of heterogenous security stacks and reducing risks and virtual data room services uncertainty to ensure that your company can achieve its objectives.