Alko R. Meijer spent some 30 years in academia, including 18 years as professor in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at the University of Natal, gradually moving from pure Algebra into its applications, before eventually entering the field of cryptology as a full-time occupation. He is currently a director of Ciphertec c.c. which provides consultation services on communication and data storage security, including in-house courses in cryptology for industry. He has served a term of office as president of the South African Mathematical Society and has represented South Africa at international standards committee meetings dealing with cryptology.
