Why Mergers in Cybersecurity Demand a Fresh Look at Risk Management

As someone who has spent over two decades navigating the complexities of IT and cybersecurity, I’ve seen my fair share of mergers and acquisitions. While these events often promise growth and innovation, they can also introduce significant risks—especially when it comes to security.

Take the recent acquisitions by cyber specialists and MSSP’s by larger Australian or foreign owned MSPs and those in the vendor marketplace also. On the surface, it’s a strategic move, but it raises a critical question: should your managed service provider also be your managed security services provider? In my experience, the answer is a resounding no.

Here’s why:

1. Conflict of Interest: Having the same entity manage and audit your security creates a scenario where the "auditor is auditing itself." This lack of independence can lead to overlooked vulnerabilities.

2. Diversification of Risk: Relying on a single vendor or partner increases your exposure. If they experience an outage or a breach, your organisation could be left vulnerable.

3. Data Sovereignty: Mergers often shift where and how data is stored and accessed. It’s crucial to ensure your organisation’s data remains compliant with local regulations.

Worst-case scenarios can include service degradation, data leaks, or even compliance failures. But here’s the good news: you’re not powerless. By diversifying your vendors, maintaining independent audits, and staying proactive about your data’s security, you can mitigate these risks.

At Teba, we pride ourselves on being vendor-agnostic, offering unbiased guidance to help organisations navigate these challenges. If you’re facing a merger or acquisition, let’s talk about how we can help you stay secure and resilient.