By Jeremy Ventura, Field CISO, Myriad360

Mergers and acquisitions are chaotic. You’re juggling financial assessments, operational realignments, contracts, and workforce planning—all at once. And while the dealmaking might grab the headlines, security often gets shoved to the sidelines. Too often, it’s treated as an afterthought—something to “just make work” after everything else is sorted. But that mindset doesn’t cut it anymore.

Here’s the reality: Dark Reading reports that M&A activity has soared 130% in the U.S., hitting $288 billion this year. With this surge, overlooking security isn’t just risky; it can derail the deal entirely. Forbes notes that 53% of organizations have encountered cybersecurity issues during due diligence that jeopardized the deal itself.

But here’s the opportunity: when done proactively, M&A security isn’t just about avoiding risks. It’s about creating value, positioning your organization to emerge leaner, stronger, and more resilient.

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Security Risks Are Deal Risks

Security during M&A is no small task. You’re not just acquiring assets—you’re inheriting their risks. Vulnerabilities, outdated systems, compliance gaps, and a chaotic mix of employees, tools, and processes all come into play. Here’s where I’ve seen it go wrong time and time again:

And when things inevitably go sideways, it’s like the Spider-Man meme: everyone pointing fingers and no one taking responsibility. These gaps, left unaddressed, can delay integration, cause breaches, or even trigger regulatory fines.

How to Get Ahead of M&A Security Risks

Proactive security isn’t about perfection; it’s about preparation. Here’s how to make security a driver—not a blocker—of successful M&A integration:

Take Stock Early The first step is understanding what you’re working with. Before systems are integrated, map out tools, technologies, and access points. Identify overlaps, redundant tools, and underutilized licenses. This isn’t just a security exercise—it’s a cost-saving one. At Myriad360, we’ve developed the Visibility Control Workshop (VCW) specifically for these situations. The VCW process inventories everything across domains like email security, endpoint protection, and compliance. It’s all about answering key questions: Are we using redundant tools? Are we paying for licenses we don’t need? Can we consolidate without losing capabilities? This proactive approach prevents risk while streamlining operations, delivering immediate savings.

Learn From the Best During my time at IBM, I saw firsthand how they tackle security in acquisitions with a process they call Blue Washing. It’s a deep dive into the acquired company’s systems and codebase to uncover vulnerabilities before integration. They leave nothing to chance, ensuring risks are addressed long before anything touches their ecosystem. The lesson? Don’t inherit risks blindly. Before you bring anything into your environment, understand exactly what you’re getting—and what you’re not.

Bring Security to the Table Early Security is often treated like a cleanup crew, but that’s a mistake. Looping in security teams at the start of M&A discussions allows them to identify risks—and opportunities—before they become blockers. For example, security experts can help streamline compliance or suggest consolidating tech stacks, making the transition smoother for everyone.

Do Your Due Diligence This step is your safety net. During due diligence, identify compliance gaps, unpatched vulnerabilities, and weak spots in endpoint or data security. A thorough assessment ensures there are no surprises after the deal closes.

Quantifying Risks With Business Impact

Not all risks are created equal, so don’t treat them like they are. M&A security is about prioritizing risks based on their impact to the business. For example, imagine a critical vulnerability on an isolated system with no customer data. Now compare that to a “low-severity” risk on your core CRM platform. Which one do you tackle first?

It’s all about context. High-severity risks might look bad on paper, but their real-world impact could be minimal. The goal is to focus on risks that could harm your revenue, reputation, or operations—not just the ones that trigger alarms.

Security as a Strategic Advantage

Here’s where it all comes full circle: M&A security isn’t just about avoiding problems. It’s a chance to create real value. Here’s how:

Security isn’t just a cost center; it’s a differentiator. Organizations that prioritize security during M&A don’t just protect their deals—they enhance them, setting the stage for long-term success.

The Bottom Line

M&A is your opportunity to build something better. Proactive security ensures you’re not just inheriting risks—you’re seizing the chance to rethink, rebuild, and emerge stronger. So the next time you’re navigating the chaos of a merger or acquisition, remember: Security isn’t a cost. It’s an investment in your future.