When you're navigating a merger or acquisition, due diligence is non-negotiable. Financials, legal, operations—every angle is inspected. But there's one area that continues to fly under the radar, and it's where the real danger lies:

Too often, security assessments are treated as an afterthought during M&A. That’s a costly mistake.

At Cyber Node, we've seen it firsthand—organizations acquiring hidden vulnerabilities, inheriting past breaches, and walking into regulatory minefields because they skipped one essential step:

Why This Matters to You as a CISO

As a CISO, you’re responsible for protecting the crown jewels—not just your systems, but your company's reputation and financial future.

Here’s what can go wrong during M&A without proper cybersecurity vetting:

• Inherited vulnerabilities in web apps, APIs, and internal networks
• Undisclosed breaches that were never remediated
• Non-compliance with critical industry standards
• Third-party risk from integrated vendors and legacy systems

The Solution: Make Pen Testing a Non-Negotiable

Incorporating penetration testing into your M&A due diligence gives you:

• A full risk profile of the target’s digital infrastructure
• Independent validation of existing security controls
• A compliance check against your regulatory obligations
• A foundation for post-acquisition integration without surprises

Penetration testing simulates real-world attacks before bad actors have a chance to strike. It’s your best defense against unknown risk.

Real Value for Decision-Makers

For buyers, the deal doesn’t end at the contract—it begins there. If you miss cybersecurity red flags, you’re not just acquiring a company—you’re inheriting its liabilities.

CISOs must push for security testing before the ink dries. It’s not about paranoia—it’s about foresight, strategy, and protection.

Secure Your Next Acquisition with Cyber Node

At Cyber Node, we provide expert M&A penetration testing that uncovers hidden risks, validates security controls, and helps you make informed decisions with confidence.

Whether it’s a tech-driven startup or a legacy enterprise, we ensure your acquisition isn’t hiding digital threats that could derail your investment.

📧 Reach out at sales@cybernode.au 🌐 Learn more at cybernode.au

Don’t let cybersecurity blind spots destroy your next big move. Make penetration testing a standard in your M&A playbook.