Whether making or realising an investment, the first 100 days following the announcement of an acquisition require heightened vigilance to cyber risk. Sophisticated threat actors can exploit weaknesses exposed during the M&A process, including the exchange of sensitive data during due diligence, the integration of IT systems, and disruption to workflows and employees.
Preparing PortCo for Exit
Intellectual Property
Identifying key IP within a business, understanding ownership, reviewing rights agreements, and implementing appropriate protections.
Data Protection
Conducting data protection audits and reviewing policies and procedures.
Warranties and Covenants
Clearly defining responsibility for past and future cyber events, and ensuring these obligations are not breached.
Continuous Breach Monitoring
Target / Portfolio Company
- Data leaks, credential exposure and ransomware chatter
- New vulnerabilities in exposed systems
- Publicly disclosed breaches that could affect valuation
Critical Suppliers and Technology Vendors
- Cloud and SaaS Providers
- Outsourced IT Providers
- Managed Service Providers (MSPs)
Regulatory / Compliance Triggers
- Monitor for fines, investigations or regulatory actions against the target, including GDPR, SEC and FCA matters
Other Stakeholders
- Advisors (lawyers, bankers)
- Other Portfolio Companies (where infrastructure is shared)
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Our experts
Insights
Fool me once: What the Apollo breach tells private equity about the threats it now faces
Apollo’s August breach was one data point in a five-week campaign mapping 200+ private capital firms. What it means for fund-level cyber risk.
From Red Flag to Redline: How Cyber Findings Actually Change Deal Terms
A cyber finding rarely kills a deal, it can and does, however what it does far more often, is move it: from a line in a due diligence report to a redline in the SPA.
Why Summer is a Blind Spot in Private Equity Risk Oversight
Threat levels don't take annual leave. Why PE firms need continuous cyber oversight of portfolio companies, not seasonal assessment.
Private Equity Cyber Risk Checklist
The PE Cyber Risk Checklist is a ten-step diagnostic for PE fund leadership, covering every stage from pre-deal surveillance to exit readiness.