In this episode of CyberSound, Vancord’s Cybersecurity Podcast hosted by Jason and Michael, the focus is on the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) within the cybersecurity realm, featuring guest Fred Purdue, Managing Director of Mergers and Acquisitions at West Monroe. Fred discusses his role in assisting private equity firms through the M&A process, emphasizing the importance of IT and cybersecurity due diligence. He shares insights into the different stages of the M&A process, from initial assessments to integration strategies, and highlights common red flags and risks, such as outdated technology and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The conversation also covers the increasing necessity of cybersecurity assessments in transactions, the potential impacts of cyber risks on deal valuations, and the importance of having well-defined security and technology strategies, offering valuable insights for both buyers and sellers in the market.

Emphasizing the impact of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) on small businesses, Steve shares the challenges and costs associated with compliance, such as enhanced security measures and regulatory adherence. The discussion underscores the evolving nature of cybersecurity standards and the essential role of trusted IT partners in navigating these complexities.

The team encourages listeners to educate themselves on the importance of implementing robust security measures to maintain privacy, including setting up separate networks, updating router firewalls, and researching device security features. As the conversation broadens to include considerations for small businesses and the expanding range of internet-enabled devices, the team concludes by underscoring the importance of privacy in the IoT era.

With humor and enthusiasm, the team underscores CyberSound's mission: to inform, educate, and engage with integrity while helping listeners navigate the ever-evolving landscapes of business and cybersecurity.

In this episode of CyberSound, co-hosts Jason and Michael welcome Rob McWilliams of Vancord, and William Roberts of Day Pitney LLP to delve into the intricate intersection of AI and privacy law. With a focus on demystifying AI and its implications, the conversation navigates through the evolving landscape of privacy policies, consent, and the burgeoning challenges posed by generative AI.

The team discusses the seasonality of sports events and tournaments, which oftentimes come with heightened opportunities for cyber threats and phishing scams. They also discuss the implications of the new SEC rule requiring public companies to report breaches, representing the growing significance of cybersecurity at the board level.

There is a need for businesses to document their privacy processes, conduct inventories of personal data, and consider the implications of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. The team delves into the current state of privacy laws, highlighting the lack of a comprehensive federal law and the increasing complexity of state regulations.