As an outsource security partner BAI provides managed security, managed firewall, managed ids, content filtering, internet security, network security, penetration testing, and vulnerability testing.

Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures require special handling when bringing together two distinct organizations or separating a business from the remaining IT infrastructure.  The technical environment can be rife with unsecure access points, un-patched servers, excessive access controls, and incorrectly configured firewall settings to name just a few.  Information on the acquired company technical environment may be non-existent or incomplete and depending on the nature of the merger and it may be difficult to work with people during the transition.

The idea of bringing together two organizations under one leadership requires understanding the risks.  This risk analysis requires multiple tasks to uncover any underlying vulnerabilities in the architecture.  So where do you start to untangle the colliding technical environments?

1. Vulnerability Scanning / Risk Assessments
2. Managed Security Services (Firewall / Intrusion Prevention)
3. Content Management
4. Remote Access / Business Connections

One of the most important tasks to be completed is a Security Audit or Risk Assessment that includes at a minimum a comprehensive vulnerability scan of the internal network, as well as the external scan from the Internet.  Ideally, these scans should be assessed by seasoned security professionals, which can provide a true risk assessment and prioritize the remediation necessary to secure the environment. 

While many organizations are already transitioning their firewall and intrusion prevention systems to 24/7 managed services, it is far more critical that network traffic is monitored when connecting your production network with an unknown network of another organization.  Rouge systems, Trojans, Spyware/Malware, viruses and disgruntled employees can cause huge impacts to your own systems availability and compromise your previously secure data.

Another major area to consider is that of Content Management.  Data leakage, insufficient controls on Internet access, email content and inbound/outbound attachment need to be closely monitored and controlled to help reduce the risk of introducing new threats to your own internal network and production systems.

Finally, Remote Access and Business Partner Data Connections are some of the more commonly overlooked areas that can also cause major issues.  Your own strict internal standards for authentication, encryption, and controls on access may not be shared by the other organization.  In fact, in many cases you may find that their outside vendors, contractors, developers, or business partners have unnecessary access and/or excessive permissions within the network.

BAI Security can assist IT managers with the security and support services needed for any business restructuring event quickly and accurately.  BAI Security has been providing solutions for customer mergers for over eight years.  We look forward to assisting you with your IT Security Plan.  For more information and solutions to these issues contact BAI Security today!