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)
Find out more
Our experts
Insights
Why 72 hours is the New Standard for M&A Cyber Due Diligence
A decade ago, cyber due diligence sat somewhere between “nice to have” and “we’ll deal with it post-close.” That world no longer exists.
Solving the "Scale Paradox": How to Automate Portfolio Oversight with Fewer People
In 2026, private equity technical teams are facing a "Scale Paradox": portfolios are growing in complexity, while in the internal teams responsible for operations and cybersecurity oversight, headcounts remain stagnant.
How Private Equity Hackers Choose Their Targets
Private equity firms sit at the intersection of high-value financial transactions, sensitive deal data, and an expanding portfolio of technology heavy portfolio companies – and it’s this combination that makes PE an attractive target for cyberthreat actors.
Cyber Security Checklist for Private Equity
10 essential steps to improve cyber security, protect portfolio investments, and maximise exit value.