Sign up for tax alert emails    GTNU homepage    Tax newsroom    Email document    Print document    Download document

February 20, 2019
2019-5247

Buyer beware: Cybersecurity due diligence for transactions

In the context of a transaction, it is common to focus due diligence on areas such as tax, employment and real estate. Devices enabling connectivity and the adoption of digital technologies (robotic process automation, artificial intelligence, etc.) have increased companies’ vulnerability to a security breach. The connected ecosystem, together with growing regulatory scrutiny of data security, have increased the importance of a cybersecurity due diligence. According to the EY Global Information Security Survey 2018–19, 77% of organizations are operating with only limited cybersecurity. Exclusion of cybersecurity due diligence could result in a significant loss of value; worse, it could make it easier for cyber criminals to compromise the security systems of the purchaser. An EY Law Alert provides details.

View content

 
 

The information contained herein is general in nature and is not intended, and should not be construed, as legal, accounting or tax advice or opinion provided by Ernst & Young LLP to the reader. The reader also is cautioned that this material may not be applicable to, or suitable for, the reader's specific circumstances or needs, and may require consideration of non-tax and other tax factors if any action is to be contemplated. The reader should contact his or her Ernst & Young LLP or other tax professional prior to taking any action based upon this information. Ernst & Young LLP assumes no obligation to inform the reader of any changes in tax laws or other factors that could affect the information contained herein.

 

Copyright © 2023, Ernst & Young LLP.

 

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, retransmitted or otherwise redistributed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including by photocopying, facsimile transmission, recording, rekeying, or using any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from Ernst & Young LLP.

 

Any U.S. tax advice contained herein was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by the recipient for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code or applicable state or local tax law provisions.

 

"EY" refers to the global organisation, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.

 

Privacy  |  Cookies  |  BCR  |  Legal  |  Global Code of Conduct