New AI Tool Aims to Enhance Cybersecurity for Small Businesses
A collaborative effort involving students and faculty from North Carolina State University, along with Cisco and the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT), has resulted in the launch of CyberCoach NC, an artificial intelligence-driven resource designed to bolster cybersecurity for small businesses throughout the state. The tool, which was introduced on October 26, is free and aims to assist businesses in identifying potential cybersecurity risks while implementing necessary protective measures.
Functionality of CyberCoach NC
CyberCoach NC operates as an AI chatbot, offering assistance to small business owners seeking to understand their cybersecurity vulnerabilities and how to enhance their defenses. According to Laura Rodgers, the director of cybersecurity practice at NC State’s Secure Computing Institute and a key developer of the tool, many small business owners lack the necessary expertise and resources to establish effective cybersecurity programs independently. She emphasized that even those without technical backgrounds can establish basic cybersecurity measures with proper guidance, which CyberCoach NC aims to provide.
Rodgers noted, “Honestly, I’m not aware of anything like CyberCoach NC that has been created to walk small business owners through this process on a free, statewide basis like this. It’s exciting.”
Collaboration and Development Process
The initiative for CyberCoach NC originated from discussions between Rodgers and Cisco representatives. Cisco’s involvement included providing security engineering expertise and mentoring students enrolled in a practicum course that focused on practical experience. As the project developed, NCDIT joined the effort, offering mentorship and ensuring that the tool was compatible with its existing infrastructure.
Rodgers highlighted the crucial role of NCDIT in the project, stating that their support was vital for hosting the tool upon its completion. The North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State also expressed support for the initiative, recognizing its potential value for newly registered businesses in the state.
A total of ten cybersecurity students from NC State contributed to the creation of CyberCoach NC, participating in the beta testing of a prototype with small businesses to ensure the tool’s effectiveness and user-friendliness.
Accessibility and Purpose
CyberCoach NC is designed for any business registered in North Carolina, requiring users to have a MyNCID Business account for access. While it is beneficial for all businesses, its primary focus is on small enterprises that may not have in-house cybersecurity expertise.
Rodgers pointed out that there are more than one million small businesses in North Carolina and described the project as a significant demonstration of how NC State collaborates with both public and private sectors to address the needs of residents. She remarked on the project as an excellent example of the university fulfilling its land-grant mission.
Source: NC State University
