5 Crucial Cybersecurity Controls to Evaluate Zero-Trust Readiness in any M&A Deal
How to Assess Zero-Trust Governance in Potential Acquisitions
In the context of Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), establishing a Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA) requires additional focus on securing newly integrated entities, mitigating risks from legacy systems, and ensuring consistent security policies across different networks.
How to do this?
Well, I’m glad you asked…
Identity Federation and Access Management Integration
During M&A, integrating multiple identity and access management (IAM) systems is critical. Identity federation allows seamless, secure access for both organizations while enforcing strict access controls and role-based permissions. Ensure the newly acquired users and systems undergo rigorous identity verification and access reviews before granting access to sensitive resources.
Relevant Controls
NIST 800-53:
AC-2 Account Management
AC-5 Separation of Duties
ISO 27002:
9.1 Access Control Policy
9.2 User Access Management
Risk-Based Network Segmentation
Segment the newly acquired network to contain potential risks. Apply microsegmentation to critical assets and sensitive systems to limit lateral movement, preventing any exposure from legacy or untrusted environments. Prioritize isolating unverified systems and applications while you evaluate security postures.
Relevant Controls
NIST 800-53:
SC-7 Boundary Protection
CM-2 Baseline Configuration
ISO 27002:
13.1 Network Security Management
Comprehensive Security Monitoring and Threat Detection
Implement robust, unified monitoring across both entities to gain complete visibility into network traffic, access patterns, and potential threats. Use real-time threat detection, logging, and anomaly detection to identify any suspicious behavior from newly integrated systems. This ensures that malicious activity is quickly identified during and after the transition.
Relevant Controls
NIST 800-53:
AU-6 Audit Review
CA-7 Continuous Monitoring
ISO 27002:
12.4 Logging and Monitoring
16.1 Management of Information Security Incidents
Data Discovery and Encryption
As part of M&A, sensitive data may be transferred between entities. Implement data discovery tools to identify and classify sensitive information across both organizations. Apply encryption to all sensitive data during transfers and within merged environments to ensure regulatory compliance and protect against data breaches.
Relevant Controls
NIST 800-53:
SC-12 Cryptographic Key Establishment and Management
SC-28 Protection of Information at Rest
ISO 27002:
10.1 Cryptographic Controls
18.1 Compliance with Legal and Contractual Requirements
Unified Policy Management and Compliance Enforcement
Create a unified security policy framework that encompasses both organizations to enforce consistent security standards. Address differences in regulatory requirements, compliance obligations, and risk appetites. Use automation to enforce these policies across cloud and on-premise environments, ensuring consistent application regardless of the network or device.
Relevant Controls
NIST 800-53:
AC-17 Remote Access
AC-19 Access Control for Mobile Devices
ISO 27002:
5.1 Information Security Policies
9.4 System and Application Access Control
Closing Thoughts
These controls help secure the integration process, ensuring that vulnerabilities from newly acquired systems are addressed while maintaining a zero-trust posture across both networks. They also protect sensitive assets and data during the volatile transition period common in M&A activities.
If you are about to initially assess the Zero-Trust readiness of your acquisitions, you’ll identify potential red flags now way easier with this blueprint and hence create confidence in your investment decisions.