Ethan Rahn (er4hn)

This is the personal website of Ethan Rahn.

I am a software engineer, specializing in cybersecurity.

I deeply enjoy understanding a complex system, decomposing it, and finding where form does not meet intended function 🔍️

I am most familiar with securing products (this may be referred to as “blue team” stuff) 🛡️

I have an, unfortunate, familiarity with certification standards such as “FIPS 140” and “cPPND” (fka “Common Criteria”) 📝️

I enjoy reading about technology and imagining where it will take the world next.

Admittedly, I take a pessimistic worldview on this. I blame my time spent on cybersecurity for this 🤦️

(Suggested 📚) The Goal

Review of “The Goal”, a book by Eliyahu M Goldratt

Force Projection in Cyberwarfare is Disruptive

On how cyberwarfare has a high potential to cripple the US.

SpiceDB - The AuthZ Must Flow!

Discussion of SpiceDB, a Zanizibar based ReBAC system.

(Suggested 📚) Seeing Like a State

Review of “Seeing Like a State” by James C. Scott.

Warlock AI

What if you got one shotted by ayahuasca, then realized your life calling is to summon AI?

Gmail Labels Don't Search Well

Gmail labels are conveinent, but don’t work well for finding unread messages. I explore why that is and how to improve it.

Biscuits - A tasty solution for AuthZ

Discussion of Biscuits, a novel type of bearer token for authZ

🔥 Take - Analysis of Security in Popular Messaging Apps

How to build a chat app that respects privacy and keeps its users safe.

(Suggested 📚) Turn the Ship Around!

Review of “Turn The Ship Around!” by L. David Marquet

SPHINCS+ - Step by Step

A walkthrough of the SPHINCS+ PQC algorithm