Over time the "Internet" has become the central element for integration of network functions and services. In a very profound sense the "Internet" has dramatically lowered the time and cost for creating new applications, new services, and new ways of social interaction. At the same time what we now call the "Internet" includes an enabling layer of computing, storage, communications, software, and special purpose devices. The "Internet" is increasingly the delivery mechanism for critical services. Some of these are related to: control systems for utilities and transportation; financial services; healthcare; safety; law enforcement; and emergency response. The consequence is that at least portions of the "Internet" must exhibit reliability, high availability, and scalability to serve large numbers of citizens. The talk will concentrate on the approaches and challenges of managing and operating hardened IP infrastructure suitable for critical services and will examine the requirements from illustrative application examples.