Testimonials & Recommendations
A selection of real feedback from clients, partners, students, and community members across advisory engagements, security audits & assessments, certification journeys, and training programs.
“Working with Taher as our strategic cybersecurity advisor transformed the way we look at risk. He helped us align our security roadmap with the business strategy, simplify complex standards into concrete decisions, and prioritize the initiatives that truly matter. His ability to move between board-level discussions and very technical topics made him a bridge between IT, security, and executive leadership.”
“Taher supported us in designing our cybersecurity governance model, defining roles and responsibilities, and mapping our controls to international frameworks. His recommendations were pragmatic, prioritized, and tailored to our reality. He didn’t just produce documents – he helped us build a security program that our teams could actually run.”
“The security assessment led by Taher was one of the most structured and transparent we have experienced. He combined international standards (ISO 27001, NIST, CSA, PCI) with a strong understanding of our industry to identify real risks, not just cosmetic non-conformities. His audit style is firm but fair, always focused on improvement and knowledge transfer.”
“During our pre-certification audit, Taher managed to turn a very stressful process into a structured, educational experience. He challenged our controls, evidence, and documentation in detail but always explained why each requirement mattered. Thanks to his guidance, we went into the formal certification audit with confidence and a clear remediation plan.”
“Our ISO 27001 implementation and certification journey would not have been the same without Taher. He guided our team from the first risk assessment to the final audit interview, always connecting theory to our real environment. His ability to train, coach, and challenge at the same time is rare.”
“The certification audit conducted by Taher was demanding but extremely value-adding. He remained independent and objective, yet took the time to explain every non-conformity and improvement opportunity. Instead of a checklist exercise, it became a strategic review of our entire security posture.”
I had the opportunity to attend a cybersecurity and information security training, including the ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer course, delivered by Mr. Taher Amine ELHOUARI. He demonstrates strong expertise in cybersecurity, information security governance, and risk management. His teaching approach combines methodological rigor, strategic vision, and practical application through real-world cases, hands-on exercises, and operational scenarios. I highly recommend him for any training, consulting, or assignment related to cybersecurity, ISMS implementation, and information systems protection. Thank u , I hope to see u on another occasion.
Excellent instructor with strong expertise in Information Security Standards. The training was clear, well-structured, and highly practical, with relevant real-world examples that made complex concepts easy to understand.
It was a privilege to be mentored by Taher, a truly exceptional cybersecurity professional whose dedication and depth of expertise have made a lasting impact on my career. His extensive knowledge across various domains of cybersecurity & InfoSec, combined with years of hands-on experience, make him one of the most influential experts in this field. What stands out most about Taher is his unwavering commitment and perseverance. He sets an inspiring example through his hard work, continuous learning, and initiative in advancing cybersecurity awareness both in Algeria and globally. His generosity in sharing knowledge and guiding others reflects a genuine passion for the profession and a strong desire to uplift the entire community. Beyond his technical mastery and impressive list of certifications, Taher possesses the rare ability to connect with his students with humility and patience. His contributions to promoting cybersecurity as a vital discipline have helped shape a new generation of professionals and significantly strengthened the industry landscape through his Cyber Capacity Building Program. It has been an honor to learn from and work alongside Taher. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking excellence, leadership, and inspiration in the cybersecurity domain.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Taher Amine on both OWASP Algiers chapter & CSA Algeria Chapter and I can confidently say that he is one of the most passionate and dedicated professionals in the field of cybersecurity. His commitment to the industry goes far beyond his own work—he actively contributes to the growth and improvement of the cybersecurity landscape in Algeria. Whether it's through volunteering, mentoring others (including myself), or participating in community initiatives, Amine is always ready to share his knowledge and support the learning of others. What makes him stand out is not only his patience and willingness to help but also his exceptional talent across a wide range of cybersecurity domains. From technical skills to strategic thinking, he demonstrates a deep understanding of the field and continuously seeks to improve himself and those around him. His efforts are truly inspiring, and I’m grateful to have learned from him and worked alongside him. Amine is a real asset to any team or initiative in cybersecurity.
I had the chance to be trained by Tahar Amine Elhouari for my CISSP prep, and it was honestly a great experience. Tahar has a real gift for taking complex security concepts and making them simple, clear, and practical. He doesn’t just teach the theory — he connects it to real-world situations, which made the learning process much easier and more engaging. What I appreciated most is how approachable and supportive he is. No matter the question, Tahar always took the time to explain things patiently and make sure everyone was on the same page. He creates an environment where you actually enjoy learning, even with such a challenging subject. Thanks to his guidance, I’d definitely recommend Tahar to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and inspiring CISSP trainer.
Taher Amine est connu pour son professionnalisme, son engagement et ses compétences qui font l'unanimité dans la sphère IT en Algérie 🇩🇿 comme à l'international. Travailler avec lui fut une expérience des plus enrichissantes, ses multiples talents dans son domaine de prédilection et sa passion pour son métier transcendent le travail qu'il accompli et font de lui une valeur sûre et un élément incontournable au sein de la grande famille de la Cybersécurité.
J’ai eu l’opportunité de collaborer avec Taher Amine ELHOUARI dans un cadre professionnel exigeant, où il s’est rapidement distingué par son expertise, sa rigueur et sa hauteur de vue. Son parcours, riche de certifications de haut niveau telles que CISSP-SME, CCISO, GRCP, GRCA, CCSK, eCTHP, eCPPT (entre autres), reflète un engagement profond envers l’excellence dans les domaines de la cybersécurité, de la gouvernance et du management stratégique. Au-delà de ses compétences techniques de très haut niveau, Amine est un professionnel respectueux, humble et constructif. Il crée autour de lui un climat de confiance et de performance. Ses interventions sont toujours précises, structurées et orientées solutions. Je le recommande sans réserve pour toute mission de responsabilité, de conseil ou de leadership dans son domaine.
It’s truly an honor to recommend Taher Amine Elhouari, one of the most respected cybersecurity experts globally, a recognized leader across Africa, and a true pioneer in the Algerian cybersecurity landscape. I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Taher on various events, projects, and international initiatives, and each time, I’ve been impressed by his strategic thinking, technical mastery, and relentless commitment to excellence. Taher’s contributions go far beyond his impressive credentials — with over 222 certifications and global advisory roles, he brings real-world value to organizations through: Deep cybersecurity expertise Strong leadership in GRC, Red/Blue teaming, and strategic risk management A clear passion for empowering others and securing digital environments He is also a key figure in the African cybersecurity ecosystem, regularly contributing to knowledge sharing, awareness, and innovation. In Algeria, he has become a reference point — mentoring, leading initiatives, and inspiring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. I wholeheartedly recommend Taher to any organization looking for a top-tier global expert and a true leader in the field. His impact is lasting, and his presence in any team is a real asset.
I want to express my admiration for Taher Amine ELHOUARI, whose journey as a mentor, cybersecurity consultant, and founder of OWASP has been truly impressive; my anticipation to meet him was realized during a significant cyber incident last summer that lasted over 20 intense days, where I witnessed his remarkable leadership and personality firsthand. His expertise in cybersecurity shone through as he navigated complex incidents and guided us through high-pressure situations, allowing me to learn invaluable skills from his extensive experience as a consultant and trainer. Taher's unique ability to simplify complex cybersecurity concepts made his training sessions deeply engaging and accessible. His mentoring style fosters a supportive environment promoting growth, and during the challenging days of the incident, it was evident that he genuinely cares about cultivating his network and sharing insights. His calm demeanor and unwavering focus unify teams, allowing him to inspire confidence even in the most challenging situations. Taher holds numerous certifications, including CISSP-SME, CCISO, and CMSA, showcasing his technical foundation, while his skills encompass cyber incident response, risk assessment and management, training and development, and strategic planning. I wholeheartedly recommend Taher Amine ELHOUARI to any organization seeking a dedicated professional who combines technical expertise with remarkable leadership skills, as his ability to uplift those around him, alongside his exceptional cybersecurity knowledge, makes him a standout figure in the global landscape. If you're looking for someone who performs well under pressure and enriches team skills and morale, Taher is undoubtedly the person to have by your side.
I first connected with Tahar Amine Elhouari through social networks, where his passion for cybersecurity was immediately evident. His dedication to sharing knowledge through insightful posts and articles stood out, and I found myself regularly reading from his content. Later, I had the opportunity to work with him directly on a client project, and I can confidently say he brings the same energy, professionalism, and expertise to the workplace. Tahar is a brilliant self-taught professional with solid knowledge across various cybersecurity domains, backed by an impressive list of certifications including CISSP, CCISO, eCPPT, and many more. What truly sets him apart is his willingness to help others and his continuous drive to learn and share. Whether you're discussing technical challenges or looking for guidance, Tahar is always ready to offer support. If you're in the cybersecurity field, he's definitely someone you want in your network.
I had the opportunity to meet Taher Amine ELHOUARI in June 2024 during a high-pressure security incident, where he came highly recommended by a mutual contact to help us manage a critical situation. From day one, Taher demonstrated calm leadership, deep technical expertise, and a collaborative approach that helped us navigate more than two intense weeks of incident response and together, we outperformed all expectations. I have also had the pleasure of attending his information security training sessions. His ability to simplify complex topics and engage the audience is truly exceptional. showing that Taher is not only an expert in his field but also a passionate educator and mentor. Taher brings a rare blend of technical depth, professionalism, and strategic insight. I strongly recommend him to any organization looking for a cybersecurity expert who can deliver results under pressure and uplift those around him.
I had the pleasure to assist an incredible training of cissp with Taher as an instructor . Even with the difficulty of those courses he had the right skills to make it easier, simple and he keeps you attached to the course with his dynamic and good strategy to present the different chapters and the information. And the ambitious way he is presenting makes you feel the love of the cyber security great thanks Taher.
I had the opportunity to meet Taher Amine ELHOUARI, an information security professional, advisor, auditor and accredited trainer with deep technical expertise and strategic governance capabilities.
Thaher Amine Elhouari is one of the most experienced and dedicated professionals in the field of cybersecurity and risk management. With a remarkable set of certifications — including CISSP-SME, CCISO, CMSA, GRCP, GRCA, ISO standards, eCPPT, and many more — Thaher brings not only technical excellence but also strategic insight to every project. What truly sets Thaher apart is his ability to combine deep technical expertise with executive-level thinking. Whether leading complex risk assessments, advising on governance frameworks, or designing resilience programs aligned with industry standards, he does so with clarity, confidence, and a collaborative spirit. He is a trusted advisor, a skilled communicator, and someone who consistently delivers results. I highly recommend Thaher for any leadership role in cybersecurity, GRC, or digital resilience initiatives.
It’s a real pleasure to recommend Taher Amine ELHOUARI, a remarkably skilled and committed professional in the field of cybersecurity and IT governance. I've had the privilege of working closely with him and witnessing firsthand his deep technical expertise, strategic mindset, and unwavering dedication to excellence. Taher holds an impressive set of certifications including MBA, CISSP-SME, CCISO, CMSA, GRCP, GRCA, ISO certifications, SecX, eCTHP, eCPPT, CCSK, CCZT, and OOSE — all of which are a reflection of his relentless pursuit of knowledge and professional development. What truly sets Taher apart is not just his credentials, but his ability to translate complex concepts into actionable strategies, lead critical projects with precision, and always stay one step ahead of emerging threats and technologies. His insights have always brought clarity and confidence to every challenge we’ve faced together. Beyond his technical capabilities, Taher is also a collaborative team player, a trusted advisor, and someone who brings integrity and passion to everything he does. I highly recommend Taher to any organization or team looking for a top-tier expert in cybersecurity, compliance, and enterprise risk. His impact is always meaningful and lasting.
Il est rare de rencontrer des personnes possédant un talent aussi avéré que celui de Taher Amine ELHOUARI. C’est un professionnel extrêmement investi avec une grande capacité de travail. Son sens du collectif et son attachement à l’humain sont évidents, et font de lui un professionnel compétent et unique. Très ouvert d’esprit, il a un réel goût pour les défis et est toujours disposé à répondre à diverses questions et à réfléchir à des solutions aux problèmes les plus complexes. Si vous faites appel à Taher, vous pouvez être certain que vos projets auront du succès ! Enfin, vous pouvez compter sur cette sorte de génie qui le caractérise pour donner un aspect unique à vos projets. Et je ne peux que lui souhaiter une belle réussite, à la hauteur de ses qualifications et ses compétences.
I’ve had the privilege of working with Taher Amine Elhouari, and I can confidently say that he is an outstanding cybersecurity and information security expert. His deep technical knowledge, combined with a strategic understanding of security challenges, makes him a trusted advisor and a key asset in any organization. What truly sets Taher apart is his genuine leadership and team spirit. He is always ready to motivate others, share his expertise, and support the team through any challenge. His ability to explain complex security issues in a clear and practical way makes him not only a brilliant expert, but also an excellent mentor. Taher brings passion, professionalism, and a strong sense of responsibility to every project. I highly recommend him to any organization looking for a cybersecurity leader who delivers results while inspiring those around him.
I had the privilege of working alongside Taher Amine Elhouari, where he served as a cybersecurity expert and I worked as a network engineer. During our time together, I learned a tremendous amount from him—not only about cybersecurity, but also about the mindset and critical thinking required to approach security challenges effectively. Taher has a deep and practical understanding of cybersecurity, and his ability to analyze threats, secure complex systems, and explain technical concepts clearly made him a valuable resource for the entire team. He was always generous with his time and knowledge, and his guidance played a major role in expanding my perspective on how networking and security intersect. His mentorship sparked my growing interest in cybersecurity and helped lay the foundation for my transition into the field. I truly appreciated his collaborative spirit, professionalism, and passion for continuous learning. I highly recommend Taher for any role or initiative requiring strong technical expertise, leadership, and a commitment to excellence in cybersecurity.
Taher is truly a one-of-a-kind talent in the world of cybersecurity. A brilliant self-taught professional, constantly pushing the boundaries of what one can learn and share on their own. A proud geek, always one step ahead, he has become a beacon for an entire community of professionals and enthusiasts who gather around his expertise and generosity. Beyond his technical skills, Taher is an inspiration — he connects people, shares knowledge freely, and leads by example. In a field as fast-moving as ours, profiles like his are rare and incredibly valuable. I’m honored to count him among my peers.
I had the pleasure of meeting Elhouari Taher Amine in 2023 during a professional mission, and since then, we've worked closely on several impactful initiatives. Together, we co-founded the OWASP Algiers Chapter, where Amine currently serves as President. His leadership and commitment have been central to the chapter's growth and influence. We also collaborate on the Cloud Security Alliance Algeria Chapter, where his strategic mindset and initiative continue to drive progress. Across both organizations, Amine has consistently demonstrated the ability to lead with purpose, foster collaboration, and elevate the local cybersecurity community. On the technical front, Amine brings a deep and practical understanding of cybersecurity. He approaches challenges with a unique, solution-oriented mindset that often brings fresh and effective perspectives. His ability to adapt, analyze, and execute makes him particularly effective in high-stakes or evolving situations. I’ve personally benefited from working alongside him, gaining both technical insights and exposure to his problem-solving approach. In terms of soft skills, Amine is a natural mentor supportive, clear in communication, and always willing to help others grow. His leadership style is inclusive and encouraging, which creates an environment of trust and innovation. Beyond the professional space, he's friendly, approachable, and highly social someone who strengthens both the team dynamic and the culture around him. From my experience, Amine operates comfortably across strategic, managerial, and operational layers of information security. He also brings solid expertise across various cybersecurity domains, which makes him adaptable to different contexts and roles. I highly recommend him for any professional mission or collaboration.
I had the pleasure of meeting Taher Amine back in 2017 through Shellmate, a cybersecurity club we were both part of. What started as a technical collaboration quickly turned into a solid friendship and a long-standing professional relationship. We competed together in many CTFs over the years, and one of the most impactful milestones in our journey was co-leading OWASP Algiers, where Taher was the founder and I had the honor of being his deputy. That experience was full of challenges, learning, and growth — and it gave me a front-row seat to witness Taher’s evolution. What I admire most about him is his relentless drive and adaptability. In just a few years, he transitioned from a hands-on Red Teamer to mastering Blue and Purple roles, then dived into GRC, and finally embraced the entrepreneurial mindset. These aren’t just titles — they reflect a mindset built on hard work, patience, and a rare ability to reinvent oneself. If you’re considering Taher for any cybersecurity-related position, I’d say: go for it with your eyes closed. He’s someone who thrives under pressure, adapts to any environment, and earns the trust of everyone around him. And a word of advice — never underestimate him. If you do, you might not realize what you’ve missed until it’s too lat.
I had the pleasure of working with Tahar for 1 month at Taghellist Technology Company, few people have the opportunity to report to a manager who is also a mentor for me. I was particularly impressed by Tahar’s ability to get involved in his work. That skill often takes years to develop among Security professionals, but it seemed to come perfectly naturally to him. I still miss him on the CTF team! Any employee would be lucky to have Tahar Amine ELHOUARI as a Technical chief.
I get to know Tahar by reading his fabulous posts and articles. I added him to my CTF Team, and he amazed me with his skills and ability to solve different challenges. Then, we have worked together on different projects. He is a serious worker and a man with a Talent. I recommend him for any Security Assessment project or position.
I had the pleasure of meeting Tahar a couple of months ago during our studies and preparation for the Penetration Testing field and OSCP certification. His amazing ideas and processes, from a cyber security point-of-view, struck me. He definitely knows his way through all the steps involving Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Assessments and Red Team Operations. As well as having a strong grasp behind the business of our field. I'd recommend Tahar for any project and company looking for a high quality professional.
Tahar is first of all an amazing guy ! He is one of few guys I enjoy working with. He is very skillful hacker with the right mindset. He proved himself as a great leader, capable to lead the entire team. His problem solving skills are incredible ! He is proving himself with every new CTF, both practicing and competing ! He is always up to date with newest hacks and different techniques, he understands the complex attacks and will gladly help others in understanding them too ! It is my honor to participate with him in CTFs, because he is really one of a kind. I could go on forever with recommendation, but all I can say about Tahar and his skills are really excellent and great words. What can I say more...I will rest my case here, because he is really great !