Organisation Reinforced By NAC & SOC For Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Against Cyber-related Threats

All About M&A Cybersecurity

When companies combine IT infrastructures during a merger, sensitive data gets exchanged, and potential security backdoors open. Businesses are prime targets for attackers, knowing that security can be compromised during network integration.

This is targeted to organizations that are involved in an M&A deal; if you are in one, you need to know about the risks and how SOC threat monitoring and NAC can serve to protect your organization. So, let’s get into these challenges and solutions.

Cyber Risks in M&A Deals

Mergers & acquisitions come with opportunities and risks. Bringing together two IT environments doubles the cybersecurity threats. Here’s why:

• Unvetted Security Posture – How secure is the company you’re merging with? Weak security on their part makes your vulnerabilities now theirs.
• Legacy Systems & Outdated Software – Most companies do not upgrade their security tools and leave gaping vulnerabilities for attackers to exploit.
• Insider Threats – Employees from the acquired company may inadvertently (or purposefully) introduce malware, backdoors, or unauthorized access.
• Reduced Visibility – It is more difficult to monitor and detect threats before IT systems are completely converged. Security teams often have oversight problems.

If not dealt with properly, all your data, reputation, and network security are at risk without a proper M&A cybersecurity strategy. This is where NAC (Network Access Control) and SOC (Security Operations Center) come in.

How NAC Governs Network Integration

Network Access Control (NAC) can be an important first step in securing IT infrastructure during M&A engagements. It also helps in restricting access to the merged network to only authorized users and devices.

Here’s how NAC reinforces security:

• Device Authentication – Thorough verification of each device before it connects to your network.
• User Access Controls – Not everyone needs access to all data. With role-based permission enforcement, NAC helps to narrow the attack surface.
• Quarantine Unknown Devices – Non-compliant devices are put in a sandbox until you approve them.
• Enforce Security Policies – NAC can automatically enforce security protocols if a newly joined company has weak cybersecurity policies.
• Segmenting Network Traffic – The newly consolidated infrastructure can be segmented into secure zones that prevent an attacker from moving freely within.

NAC regulates the passage of unauthorized users and non-credible devices, thus establishing a centralized and secure structure of network integration security.

SOC Monitors Security After the Merger

Once integrated, the network needs constant monitoring to identify any suspicious activity and thwart potential cyber-attacks. This is where the Security Operations Center (SOC) comes into play.

How SOC threat monitoring safeguards M&A deals:

• Timely Threat Detection – A SOC continuously scans for security incidents, minimizing the window to identify malicious threats.
• Behavioral Analysis – Suspicious activity of an existing user or a new user is detected through AI-powered monitoring.
• Incident Response & Automation – In the event of an attack, SOC can put automated defenses in place to contain the breach.
• Security Monitoring (24/7) – Cyber threats do not happen only when you are online. The SOC ensures round-the-clock security surveillance.
• Security Audits After M&A – SOC teams conduct vulnerability assessments to identify threats inherited from the merged entity.

Cybersecurity in M&A doesn’t end with the deal contract. Continuous SOC threat monitoring ensures long-term security well beyond the merger.

M&A Cybersecurity Solutions from PJ Networks

PJ Networks focuses on securing M&A transitions for businesses. Our services include:

• Custom NAC Implementation – Onboarding secure NAC solutions before the transition.
• 24/7 SOC Threat Monitoring – We provide continuous threat detection and rapid response.
• Cyber Risk Assessments – Identifying vulnerabilities before integration avoids breaches. Comprehensive security audits are performed to mitigate risks.
• Incident Response Planning – Should a cyberattack occur, our team will work to contain the breach and minimize damage.
• Compliance with Regulations – Various industries have stringent regulations on cybersecurity. We ensure compliance during and after your merger.

With PJ Networks, your M&A cyber strategy becomes proactive, not reactive.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity vulnerabilities created by Mergers & Acquisitions are low-hanging fruit for opportunistic attackers. SOC threat monitoring plays a crucial role in network integration security, enabling real-time detection and response to threats targeting sensitive assets.

• NAC only allows trusted users and devices to access your network.
• Continuous monitoring and rapid response to threats enhance security.
• An active security plan prevents expensive breaches and data theft.

Do not wait until a cyberattack occurs to enhance your security. A compromise can result in massive data leaks, making it imperative to invest in M&A cybersecurity solutions today to protect your business tomorrow.