Alan DeKok is a, now retired, physicist turned cybersecurity consultant. It’s fair to say that he has transformed the way Americans connect to the internet. He was born and raised on a third generation farm just outside of Ottawa, ON. On this farm, he spent his days planting, growing, and harvesting strawberries and raspberries. DeKok’s real passion came from the tech world, specifically 8-bit computers. It was this passion for computing that sparked him to pursue a master’s degree in physics at Carleton University. This decision began a path that led to a life’s career in network defense secrecy.
As part of his studies, DeKok worked on a compact water-purification system for the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory. This major project decreased a staggering 1,011,231,000,000,000,000 (that’s 1.011 quintillion) atoms of impurity per cubic meter of water! This experience further honed his technical skills. It was his first step on his path to break into the tech world. Along the way, he started an entrepreneurial project while finishing his degree, focusing on network security. This modest government initiative blossomed into an incredible 27-year career, revolutionizing the academic and research digital landscape that we now take for granted.
Early Career and Breakthroughs
Later career
In 1996, DeKok went to work for a company called Gandalf, which developed the first equipment for ISDN, broadband’s grandparent. His early work here truly formed the critical building blocks for what would become a popular, critical, and hugely beneficial internet security contribution. Right around the time of his first entry, he joined CryptoCard, where his work shifted toward building hardware cryptographic devices for two-factor authentication.
It was during this period that DeKok started FreeRADIUS in his spare time. What began as a labor of love slowly consumed his work life. By 1999, even though he was moving to a new startup, FreeRADIUS was still the main focus of his work.
“I never expected to have a company and a lot of people working for me, my name on all kinds of standards, and customers all over the world. But it worked out that way.” – Alan DeKok
FreeRADIUS took off like wildfire, evidencing the immeasurable assets DeKok brought to the table. By the early 2000s, FreeRADIUS was in use by about 100 million people every day. The software powered billions of dollars worth of equipment around the globe.
The Rise of FreeRADIUS
The increasing adoption of FreeRADIUS represented a watershed moment for DeKok’s career. It soon became apparent that his work had wide-reaching consequences for enhancing security on the internet and authenticating users. He recognized that his role in this arena affected the day-to-day experience that all people have on the internet.
“I’d say at least half of the people in the world get on the internet by being authenticated through my software.” – Alan DeKok
DeKok emphasized the unseen nature of his work: “You need it, but you never think about it until there’s a crack in it.” This viewpoint sheds light on the yet unseen heroics of security measures that work around the clock to ensure flawless internet experiences across the globe.
By 2008, DeKok had established NetworkRADIUS — now called InkBridge Networks. Through this effort, he was able to devote time to the continued development and support of FreeRADIUS while continuing to increase its capabilities and reach.
Looking Ahead in Cybersecurity
As DeKok looks back over his arc, it’s hard to miss the maturation process. Now, through that series of accidental steps, he’s become one of the more senior figures in the field. His early interest in technology developed into a passion and career that he relished.
“Almost by accident, I became one of the more senior people in the space. Then I doubled down on that and started the business.” – Alan DeKok
Beyond his own entrepreneurial pursuits, DeKok has an eye and ear towards a broader future for RADIUS technology. As internet security grows more complicated, he thinks its relevance will continue in the long run.
“People ask me, ‘What’s next for RADIUS?’ I don’t see it dying.” – Alan DeKok
DeKok’s observations go even further, right into the value of regular, meaningful advancements in technology. “It shouldn’t underestimate that ratchet effect of tiny little fixes that add up over time,” he stated, underscoring the cumulative impact of incremental advancements in cybersecurity.