Alan DeKok, an expert in network security, has transformed his side project into a career that spans nearly three decades. Initially ignited by a passion for technology during his childhood on a farm outside Ottawa, DeKok’s work now impacts millions globally. As the steward of FreeRADIUS, he leads a team as diverse as the world’s largest open source RADIUS—employing team members in Canada, France and the UK. His software now underpins most of the internet’s authentication. DeKok estimates that more than half of all internet users connect to the web through systems powered by his technology.
DeKok’s path to the technology sector started in the most unlikely place. Raised in a small community, his formative years were spent on the farm, learning to grow strawberries and raspberries. The appeal of bucolic farm life attracted some, but not DeKok. He was fascinated by the beautiful intricacies of 8-bit computers, much more than an irrigation project. This love of exploring the physical world pushed him to earn a master’s degree in physics from Carleton University. His academic experiences included developing a water-purification system for the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory. The intense environment helped hone and fine-tune his problem solving skills, which would prove invaluable to his later career.
Early Days and Accidental Expertise
DeKok kinda fell into the world of remote authentication. He graduated in 1995, and almost immediately started FreeRADIUS as a side project. During his time at various technology firms in California and France, he spent his spare time working on the project.
“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
In 1996, he went on to work as a software developer for Gandalf. The firm focused on developing hardware and software for ISDN technology. Unfortunately for his tenure at Gandalf, the company eventually met a classic tech startup fate of incredible ambition and, eventually, inevitable collapse, sending him over to CryptoCard. At CryptoCard, DeKok designed new cryptanalytic hardware tokens for two-factor authentication, introducing himself to the industry and reinforcing his technical prowess.
Of course, as the years passed FreeRADIUS became much more than just a weekend side project. He gave so much of his personal life to his work. In 2008, he formally incorporated NetworkRADIUS—now known as InkBridge Networks. The longevity of his commitment to FreeRADIUS is inspiring. He intends to keep seeking new markets and products for the software.
The Impact of FreeRADIUS
Today, FreeRADIUS is the world’s largest network access server with regard to users, installations, and deployments. It’s a powerful tool that plays a critical role in enabling trusted connections for billions of users around the world.
“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 emphasizes the importance of security in everyday life, highlighting how people often take it for granted until an issue arises. He understands that though internet security can feel like an infringement, it is essential to preserving the trust and utility of the web.
“You need it, but you never think about it until there’s a crack in it.” – Alan DeKok
His expertise has further taken him down the path of understanding the merit of incremental advances over long periods. He notes that “you shouldn’t underestimate that ratchet effect of tiny little fixes that add up over time,” which has been essential for the growth and evolution of FreeRADIUS.
Looking Ahead
As alan DeKok reflects on his career, he acknowledges the unpredictability of success and the role of preparation in seizing opportunities.
“I really believe that it’s preparing yourself for luck, being open to it, and having the skills to capitalize on it.” – Alan DeKok
Even with today’s exciting and fast-changing tech landscape, DeKok is positive that FreeRADIUS will continue to be relevant. He dismisses concerns about its future viability.
“People ask me, ‘What’s next for RADIUS?’ I don’t see it dying.” – Alan DeKok
He doesn’t underestimate his physics background, instead acknowledging how it gives him an edge on reframing problems when faced with the engineering challenges of the future.
“When I was eventually working in the industry, the techniques that came naturally to me, coming out of physics, didn’t seem to be taught as well to the people I knew in engineering.” – Alan DeKok
To DeKok, the value of narrative to a technology standard is the second thing he considers essential. He is passionate about communication, especially when it comes to making complicated ideas simple in order to build understanding among industry members.
“The ability to tell the big-picture story in standards, for example, is extremely important.” – Alan DeKok