Reformed physicist Alan DeKok has become a highly influential figure in pioneering network security. He’s changed how billions of people got on the internet. DeKok comes from a farm near Ottawa. His journey truly opened up at Carleton University, where he pursued studies in physics, further kindling a love for mathematics and the hands-on applications of science. Though his great love of technology pulled him off the farm, it launched him down the path of 8-bit computers and into a wonderful 27-year career in network security.
At Carleton University, DeKok’s academic interests transcended the classroom. He was directly and personally involved with some major, hands-on, cutting edge projects. One of those examples was his role in designing a water-purification facility for the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory. This system achieved an impressive benchmark of one atom of impurity per cubic meter of water, showcasing his ability to blend scientific theory with real-world applications.
From Farm Life to Computer Science
DeKok had grown up on a farm where he was used to harvesting strawberries and raspberries. His ambitions were not limited to farming. He remembers, too, that “sitting on a tractor in the heat is not a really exciting thing.” Rather, he was drawn to technology, which foreshadowed his career-defining work.
His childhood passion for computers belied his farm roots. Where his classmates were learning how to plow fields and milk cows, he was busy tinkering away on early-generation 8-bit computers. This change in focus would lay the groundwork for his lasting accomplishments in the field of network security.
After finishing up his studies, DeKok then took his first steps into the industry of technology in 1996. He graduated in 1982, landing his first job as a software developer at Gandalf. This was the first step of his career path. While this was happening, he began to amp up on a side project that would eventually eclipse everything else in his career—FreeRADIUS.
The Birth of FreeRADIUS
Originally launched in 1996 as a side project, FreeRADIUS took on a life of its own and slowly became the biggest part of DeKok’s life. Although it started as a pet project, it soon took off and captured the imaginations of millions in the tech world.
By 2008, FreeRADIUS had become the bedrock of a critical infrastructure with over 100 million daily users. With DeKok’s new software it became possible to authenticate web users securely no matter where in the world they were. He calculates that tens of billions of dollars’ worth of equipment is dependent on RADIUS. This further underscores its key importance in keeping the internet secure.
“I’d say at least half of the people in the world get on the internet by being authenticated through my software,” – Alan DeKok [spectrum.ieee.org].
In 2008, DeKok started a company called NetworkRADIUS to commercialize his software. This initial venture eventually evolved into InkBridge Networks as he sought to broaden its scope and impact. His legacy extended beyond just changing the basic expectation of how the public connects to the internet — it showcased the value of security measures that isn’t always visible.
The Impact of Network Security
Today, DeKok finds himself questioning the nature of network security and thinking about its relevance to everyday Americans. “It’s that thing that you depend upon and that you take for granted,” he said. He emphasized that most users only appreciate security when an issue happens.
He is convinced that the best way to achieve strong security solutions is through steady, measured enhancements. Don’t underestimate that ratchet effect of small incremental fixes that can go a really long way over the years, he said. His philosophy, that methods are more valuable than knowing things, is one heavily influenced by his background as a physicist.
DeKok’s adventures open our imagination to what happens when you stay receptive to opportunity while staying ready for those off-the-map pivots. “I really believe that it’s preparing yourself for luck, being open to it, and having the skills to capitalize on it,” he noted. His journey is an example of how the rigorous application of science enables us to make exciting breakthroughs into new technology.