Cybersecurity Policy Analyzer for Small Businesses - Technical & Engineering Guide
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose
This guide provides a comprehensive framework for developing a Cybersecurity Policy Analyzer tailored to small businesses. The tool aims to help businesses identify vulnerabilities in their existing policies and suggest improvements based on industry standards.
1.2 Scope
The analyzer targets small businesses lacking dedicated cybersecurity teams. It evaluates organizational policies, compares them to industry best practices, and provides actionable recommendations.
2. Features and Benefits
- **Policy Evaluation**: Assesses current policies against
cybersecurity frameworks like NIST and ISO 27001.
- **Risk Analysis**: Identifies potential risks and vulnerabilities.
- **Recommendations**: Offers improvement suggestions with implementation
steps.
- **User-Friendly Interface**: Designed for users with limited technical
expertise.
- **Cost-Effective**: Tailored for small businesses to optimize resource use.
3. System Requirements
1. **Operating System**: Windows 10 or later, macOS, or
Linux.
2. **Hardware**: Minimum 4GB RAM, 20GB free storage.
3. **Software**: Python 3.9 or later, Flask/Django for web interface, SQL
database for storage.
4. **Additional**: Internet connection for updates and external data sources.
4. System Architecture
4.1 Overview
The system consists of three main components:
- **Frontend**: User interface for input and report visualization.
- **Backend**: Analysis engine that evaluates policies and generates
recommendations.
- **Database**: Stores policy templates, best practices, and user data.
4.2 Workflow
1. User uploads or inputs their current cybersecurity
policies.
2. The backend engine evaluates policies against predefined criteria.
3. The system identifies gaps and risks.
4. Recommendations are displayed on the frontend interface.
5. Development Process
5.1 Backend Development
- Use Python for core logic implementation.
- Develop policy evaluation algorithms using rules-based logic and natural
language processing (NLP).
- Integrate with a database for storing templates and results.
5.2 Frontend Development
- Design an intuitive user interface using HTML, CSS, and
JavaScript frameworks (React or Angular).
- Ensure accessibility and mobile responsiveness.
- Provide clear instructions and visualization for recommendations.
5.3 Database Design
- Use SQL for structured data storage.
- Organize tables for policies, templates, evaluation criteria, and user
information.
- Optimize queries for fast data retrieval and analysis.
6. Testing and Deployment
1. **Unit Testing**: Validate individual modules for
accuracy.
2. **Integration Testing**: Ensure seamless interaction between frontend,
backend, and database.
3. **User Testing**: Collect feedback from small business users and refine the
tool.
4. **Deployment**: Host on cloud platforms like AWS or Azure for scalability.
7. Maintenance and Updates
1. Regularly update templates and criteria to align with
evolving cybersecurity standards.
2. Monitor system performance and address bugs promptly.
3. Offer user training and support for effective tool utilization.