CAF Framework: A Better Approach to Security Improvement

05 March 2025

When it comes to cybersecurity, many organisations still see it as another box-ticking exercise. However, this would do no better than providing a false sense of protection, making them prone to potential breaches. Keeping this in mind, the NSCS built a better approach, known as the cyber assessment framework or CAF. The cyber assessment framework is a structured plan to evaluate and improve cybersecurity. Beyond compliance, this helps focus on real and measurable security improvements. In this blog, we will dive into how the CAF framework allows businesses to become stronger against cyber problems.

Understanding the CAF Framework

The NCSC Cyber Assessment Framework, called CAF in short, helps organisations manage cyber security risks in a clear, better-structured way. Based on the EU directive, though, it was created by the National Cyber Security Centre to support the NIS Regulations 2018.

However, the Cyber Assessment Framework is now preferred more than typical cybersecurity standards and guidelines. In particular, because it's designed to protect both your IT as well as OT systems. In addition, it allows UK organisations to align well with government policies.

Why should Businesses Care for Cyber Assessment Framework

Sellafield Ltd., the operator of Europe’s largest nuclear waste site, admitted to ignoring crucial cybersecurity risks and warnings. Despite getting multiple notices, they didn’t improve their vulnerabilities. For the same, they later faced a fine of approx 400K euros.

Therefore, companies need to focus on essential guidelines and measures, such as CAF frameworks. Especially if they expect to not just maintain security but also stay competitive.

Even a single cyberattack can shut down business operations, needless to say, stealing sensitive data and causing damage to a business’s reputation. The cyber assessment framework helps companies spot risks and improve security. It also makes it easier to follow legal rules like the NIS Regulations.

Cyber Assurance Framework: Requirements to Know

The NCSC created this new approach to help UK businesses handle cyber issues more effectively. However, organisations can become better at managing such emerging risks by fulfilling their set requirements. Some of these include:

• Make a structured framework to support effective cyber assessments and their implementation.
• Prioritising outcomes and not just compliance.
• Aligning with relevant existing cyber security guidelines and standards.
• Focusing on enhancement measures that provide better security.
• It is simple and affordable to use.

Objectives of the CAF Cyber Assessment Framework

Let’s now go through the objectives of the cyber assessment framework.

Manage Risks

To ensure comprehensive management, however, CAF suggests businesses to focus on their essential systems and networks. In addition, they advise organisations to stick to major principles, helping achieve effective risk management. Their principles include identifying risks, maintaining strong leadership, managing assets carefully, and ensuring supply chains are secure.

Shield Against Cyber Attacks

CAF helps organisations defend against cyberattacks. For this, they are required to stick to the six key principles, such as data security, access control, staff training, system security, and good infrastructure.

Detect Cyber Security Events

Furthermore, organisations must actively monitor cyber threats and detect security events early. This means better computer management, logging events, tracking networks, and ensuring that defences stay effective.

Reduce Security Incidents and Their Impact

In addition, their last objective focuses on proper response and recovery, as well as learning from past security incidents to deal with future issues. Businesses need to minimise attacks, restore functions and improve security using well-structured plans.

Cyber Assessment Framework CAF: Indicators of Good Practices

The NCSC has also developed several IGPs, helping organisations assess their cyber security practices. Rather than just acting as a simple checklist, however, they provide guidance to improve security posture through proper assessments.

In addition, companies need to provide evidence for their assessments, with 39 self-checked judgments.

Conclusion

The CAF framework, as compared to other models, gives a well-structured way to make cyber security strong. Organisations can build suitable protection by focusing on clear outcomes, continuous improvement, and practical assessments. Furthermore, this approach ensures quicker recovery and allows businesses to stay competitive in their industry, gaining long-term success.