Abstract: Flexible caching techniques are provided for a content centric network. A content object is selectively stored in a cache of a named-based network following a cache miss by storing a name of the content object in the cache following the cache miss; obtaining the content object from another node in the named-based network; and selectively storing the obtained content object in the cache. An additional parameter that quantifies a predefined caching objective can optionally be stored with the name. An objective function can be evaluated based on the additional parameter and the selective storage of the obtained content object can be based on an evaluation of the objective function. The predefined caching objective can be, e.g., an improved robustness to an attack or improved energy efficiency.