The Paradox of Protection

When every digital system is labeled as critical infrastructure, do we actually make the Internet safer—or just more fragile? In this episode of The Digital Identity Digest, Heather Flanagan examines the growing tension between protection, control, and interdependence in our global digital ecosystem.

Through examples from the U.S. and EU, Heather explores how expanding definitions of “critical” can blur accountability, create policy confusion, and undermine true cyber resilience. Listeners will learn why meaningful protection requires prioritization, coordination, and a more selective approach to digital infrastructure security.