The WSJ just reported that the new coronavirus has thrown the M&A dealmaking into disarray. They said: “cybersecurity experts say the workplace upheaval caused by the pandemic will complicate mergers and acquisitions when activity picks up.

Countless employees are working remotely on networks that might be vulnerable to attack, while others with access to confidential data have been laid off or furloughed. These developments accentuate cybersecurity issues crucial to good due diligence and business integration, experts say.

More risks hang over every potential deal, said Stacy Scott, managing director of risk-consulting firm Kroll Inc.’s cybersecurity and investigations practice: “Are we buying a breach?”

Office closures have widened openings for opportunistic cyberattackers as companies have scrambled to expand virtual private networks and other remote-work capabilities. Employees’ use of personal laptops, mobile phones and printers can also create more security weaknesses.”

We could not agree more with the Journal.

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The original article can be found here:

https://blog.knowbe4.com/can-covid-19-related-data-breach-worries-stop-your-mergers-or-acquisitions