Discover how a mid-sized private equity firm transformed its cybersecurity posture, saving £300k annually and mitigating major risks in a single brand within its portfolio.

The Need for Cybersecurity Enhancement

In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is not merely an IT concern but a critical business imperative. For a mid-sized private equity (PE) firm with a diverse portfolio spanning banking, retail, facilities management, and manufacturing, the stakes are even higher. This firm had made substantial investments in security tools but still faced significant challenges in visibility, configuration, and return on investment. Recognising the necessity for a comprehensive review, the firm sought to enhance its group-wide cybersecurity posture to safeguard its operations and reputation.

Identifying Critical Cybersecurity Challenges

Alarmingly, 20% of endpoints lacked endpoint protection despite having a vendor MDR service which left them vulnerable to threats. Additionally, Microsoft admin accounts were found to be misconfigured and lacked Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), a fundamental security measure. Secure Web Gateway (SWG) tools were deployed ineffectively, and there was significant redundancy with multiple vendors, duplicated functionalities, and unused licenses across the portfolio. These issues not only posed operational and reputational risks but also resulted in wasted expenditure.

Strategic Approach to Cybersecurity Improvement

To address these challenges, a structured and multi-faceted approach was adopted. First, we benchmarked the security posture against a defined set of best practices. Immediate remediation steps were taken to address critical risks through a managed service. A minimum acceptable cybersecurity baseline was established for all portfolio companies to ensure consistency. Furthermore, we optimised tools and spending by identifying redundant tools, consolidating vendors, and improving license utilisation. Lastly, ongoing monitoring and improvement processes were implemented to ensure continuous enhancement.

Measurable Outcomes and Financial Benefits

The strategic approach yielded significant measurable outcomes and financial benefits. The firm achieved £300k in annual savings through license and vendor consolidation in a single brand with a projected cost optimisation of more than £1m across the portfolio. Tangible improvements were observed within just six weeks of engagement, with major vulnerabilities closed across the portfolio. Centralised visibility was established, and a repeatable process was introduced for future acquisitions. These efforts not only enhanced operational resilience but also provided a robust framework for continuous cybersecurity maturity and scalability.

Leveraging Cybersecurity in Due Diligence

By utilising EveryCloud's V³ Cyber Assessment Framework as a valuable asset during any due diligence processes. By utilising the V³ framework, the firm could surface hidden risks and streamline integration pre or post-acquisition. This proactive approach allows cybersecurity to form part of a strategic value lever, enabling the PE firm to make informed investment decisions and ensure the seamless integration of new acquisitions. Ultimately, this comprehensive strategy transformed cybersecurity from a cost centre into a driver of operational resilience and financial efficiency.