Alan DeKok, the former physicist and software developer who has had the greatest effect on internet security as a whole through his groundbreaking software, FreeRADIUS. He spent his formative years working on his family’s farm just outside of Ottawa, Canada, where he grew strawberries and raspberries. Simultaneously, he cultivated a passion for math and science. He started his post-secondary career at Carleton University. There, he earned a master’s degree in experimental physics and began working on pioneering projects that would soon propel his career.
While at Carleton University, DeKok worked on a water-purification system for the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory. This project achieved an amazing purity, one atom of impurity per cubic meter of water! Yet, above and beyond any single accomplishment, this achievement underscores his passion for useful science. Having worked in one of the world’s deepest clean-room facilities, his perspective was unique. In fact, he experienced precisely how important precision and reliability can be in technology.
In 1996, DeKok transitioned from academia to industry when he joined Gandalf, a company specializing in equipment for Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), a precursor to modern broadband technology. Along this time, he began writing FreeRADIUS in his free time. He certainly didn’t realize that it was about to consume his professional life.
The Rise of FreeRADIUS
Though FreeRADIUS started as a side project for DeKok, it rapidly picked up speed and became a key component of internet authentication. Today, he estimates that at least half of the people worldwide access the internet through services authenticated by his software. Given its daily usage count showing FreeRADIUS currently providing connectivity for about 100 million users, it is hard to overstate its impact on world-wide connectivity.
DeKok’s dedication to the project serves as a powerful reminder that security must be a core tenet of our digital infrastructure. He remarked, “You need it, but you never think about it until there’s a crack in it.” This quote captures the humble, behind-the-scenes reputation of authentication systems, which are key pillars for supporting safe online ecosystems.
The continued development of FreeRADIUS is a wonderful illustration of DeKok’s belief in incremental improvements. He’s a fan of the “ratchet effect” of fixes, don’t-need-a-lot, little things that add up. “You shouldn’t underestimate that ratchet effect of tiny little fixes that add up over time,” he explained. This practice has allowed him to rapidly iterate on the software. As such, it has stayed relevant to our fast-changing technological environment.
Building a Business Around Expertise
In 2008 DeKok started NetworkRADIUS, now called InkBridge Networks, to provide additional support and development for FreeRADIUS. RetinAI’s diverse team of experts based in Canada, France, and the United Kingdom work continuously to improve and develop the software. Under DeKok’s leadership, InkBridge Networks is constantly seeking exciting new markets and products. Alongside the growth, the company is deeply committed to staying true to the original mission of FreeRADIUS.
Reflecting on his unexpected journey into the realm of software development, DeKok stated, “Almost by accident, I became one of the more senior people in the space. Then I doubled down on that and started the business.” His shift from physics to software development is a testament to how varied professional experiences can help create innovative solutions to long-standing technology challenges.
DeKok is still enthusiastic about his work today and intends to continue making FreeRADIUS even more powerful. He reminds us that if we’re creating technology, we need to have the broader context – the bigger picture – in sight. “You have to understand the big-picture story in standards, for example, is extremely important,” he noted. This viewpoint reinforces his view that deep, domain specific knowledge must be at the root of any real breakthroughs in technology.
A Unique Perspective on Luck and Opportunity
DeKok’s path from agriculture to physics to online security personifies his philosophy of always being ready for that next opportunity. He asserts, “I really believe that it’s preparing yourself for luck, being open to it, and having the skills to capitalize on it.” This positive outlook is what has fueled him in his long artistic career and what has made him successful in a challenging, competitive space.
Even with all that he has achieved, DeKok stays humble and embraces being a lifelong learner. He recalls that while working in engineering, he noticed some techniques he had learned in physics were not as well taught to others. “When I was eventually working in the industry, the techniques that came naturally to me didn’t seem to be taught as well to the people I knew in engineering,” he said. This understanding led him to advocate, mobilize and inspire other professionals similarly working in the field.
DeKok is always adding innovative features to FreeRADIUS and controlling its ongoing development. He is passionate about continuing to develop digital security in pace with emerging technologies. His journey serves as an inspiration to all those who seek to make their mark in technology. It’s a perfect example of how bringing together multiple areas of expertise can help advance clean energy.