NHS Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) and SIEM Services

Enhancing NHS Cyber Resilience with the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF)

The Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF), developed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), offers a structured and outcome-focused approach to evaluating and enhancing cyber resilience. Designed with critical sectors like healthcare in mind, the CAF consists of four key objectives and fourteen principles, guiding NHS organisations to effectively manage security risks, protect against cyber threats, detect security events, and minimise the impact of cyber incidents.

The framework enables organisations to perform both self-assessments and independent evaluations, providing a comprehensive view of how well cyber risks are managed. Each principle within the CAF is linked to specific outcomes, supported by Indicators of Good Practice (IGPs) to help assess the maturity of an organisation’s cybersecurity posture.

The Transition to CAF in NHS Cybersecurity

In September 2024, NHS England announced the integration of the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) with the CAF, marking a pivotal shift in how cybersecurity is assessed within healthcare. This evolution ensures that NHS trusts, Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), and other healthcare providers adopt a modern, comprehensive approach to safeguarding patient data and critical systems.

The CAF supports organisations in:

• Setting clear cybersecurity objectives tailored to their operational environment.
• Measuring progress against these objectives through regular assessments.
• Identifying gaps in cybersecurity practices and implementing targeted improvements.
• Demonstrating compliance with regulatory standards, including GDPR and the NIS Regulations.

The Role of SIEM in NHS Cybersecurity

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems are essential tools for NHS organisations, enabling real-time monitoring, threat detection, and incident response. A well-implemented SIEM solution not only strengthens an organisation’s security posture but also supports CAF compliance by providing evidence of effective monitoring and response capabilities.

Key benefits of SIEM for the NHS include:

• Real-Time Threat Detection: SIEM systems analyse log data from across the IT environment, identifying suspicious activities that may indicate cyber threats.
• Efficient Incident Response: By correlating events from multiple sources, SIEM solutions help prioritise security incidents, enabling swift and effective responses.
• Regulatory Compliance: SIEM platforms facilitate compliance with frameworks like the DSPT and CAF by providing robust reporting and audit capabilities.

Apto Solutions’ SIEM Risk & Threat Discovery Service

To support NHS organisations in navigating the complexities of cybersecurity, Apto Solutions offers a comprehensive SIEM Risk & Threat Discovery Service. This service helps healthcare providers identify vulnerabilities, assess current security measures, and align their cybersecurity practices with the CAF.

Key features of the service include:

• Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities across the organisation’s IT infrastructure.
• SIEM Optimisation: Evaluating existing SIEM implementations to ensure they provide effective coverage and align with CAF requirements.
• Actionable Insights: Delivering detailed reports with recommendations for enhancing security posture and achieving CAF compliance.
• Expert Guidance: Providing strategic advice to help organisations implement best practices in cybersecurity management.

Integrating CAF and SIEM for a Resilient NHS

By combining the structured approach of the CAF with the advanced capabilities of SIEM systems, NHS organisations can build a robust cybersecurity framework. This integration ensures not only compliance with national standards but also the resilience needed to protect sensitive healthcare data and maintain critical services in the face of evolving cyber threats.

Partnering with Apto Solutions enables NHS trusts to:

• Align cybersecurity strategies with CAF objectives.
• Enhance detection and response capabilities through optimised SIEM solutions.
• Strengthen overall resilience against cyber incidents, safeguarding patient data and public trust.

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare cybersecurity, adopting a proactive, integrated approach is key to ensuring the security and integrity of NHS digital assets.

Current Situation for many NHS Trusts

Over the past few years, tools such as Splunk and Microsoft Sentinel (SIEM tools) have been widely implemented across numerous NHS trusts. This surge is largely due to the increasing digitisation of healthcare delivery processes. Despite stringent regulatory controls around data privacy and the protection of personal health information, data breaches remain a persistent challenge, primarily because the NHS represents a significant target.

This is where a rush to technology to solve is a problem can be i.e. SIEM has not been the correct approach.  SIEM platforms are typically utilised to achieve security and compliance outcomes. BUT………..they support frameworks such as the now defunct Data Security Protection Toolkit (DSPT) and the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF), playing a critical role in audits and compliance across various domains. Moreover, they are instrumental in mitigating cybersecurity risks.

However, you must take control, identify your risks, model your threats and part of this solution may be SIEM indeed, but this supports your operational and risk models. Indeed CAF assists in this and we are delighted lots of this is embodied in our approach, but there is is always more that can be done, and it never ends.

While each NHS trust may leverage SIEM differently, common challenges emerge. Many trusts operate with limited or no dedicated cybersecurity teams or subject matter experts. Often, SIEM responsibilities fall within broader IT operations or network infrastructure roles, making platform management just one of many tasks. This fragmented approach can dilute the focus required for optimal SIEM performance.

Internal teams are generally tasked with deploying and maintaining SIEM platforms. However, the outputs required for specialised areas such as compliance often reside within other departments, including risk management and data governance teams. This misalignment can lead to gaps in understanding and implementation. IT teams may struggle to identify specific threats to mitigate, relying heavily on out-of-the-box configurations or basic setups due to resource constraints.

Maintaining SIEM platforms is demanding, requiring continuous effort to ensure both functionality and meaningful output. These ecosystems are dynamic, evolving with new features such as AI-driven analytics and automation. As teams become overstretched, either due to workload or the need for specialised knowledge, the platforms may fail to meet expectations. Limited operational budgets further compound these challenges, making improvements difficult without significant additional investment.

Switching tools or vendors may seem like a solution, but the real key lies in strategic planning. Understanding the unique needs of each trust and configuring the platform accordingly can significantly enhance performance. By aligning the platform’s operations with the trust’s specific requirements, it becomes possible to directly correlate SIEM activities with tangible security outcomes.  Again, a solid approach to SIEM and understanding Risk, Threats and your Data, reinforce confidence in technology to help assist this.