The InfoSec Control Room

23 Episodes
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By: Taher Amine ELHOUARI

The InfoSec Control Room is a podcast by *Taher Amine ELHOUARI* about cybersecurity, governance, risk, compliance, resilience, and CISO-level decision-making. This show goes beyond buzzwords, checklists, and surface-level security advice. Each episode explores the gap between what organizations believe they have in place and what actually works when incidents happen, audits begin, regulators ask questions, or leadership needs to make risk-based decisions. Hosted from the perspective of a CISO/DSSI, cybersecurity governance practitioner, auditor, advisor, speaker, and community builder, The InfoSec Control Room covers practical topics across information security, GRC, CISO leadership, ISO standards, cyber resilience, privacy, incident response, CSIRT...

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EP002: The Real Reason Security Programs Fail
EP002: The Real Reason Security Programs Fail episode artwork
#2
Yesterday at 1:20 AM

In this episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI explores one of the core ideas behind the podcast: many security programs do not fail because there is no cybersecurity activity. They fail because that activity is not governed, owned, measured, or improved properly.


The episode explains why security failures are often symptoms of deeper structural issues: unclear accountability, weak ownership, poor risk decisions, ineffective controls, disconnected teams, compliance theater, weak escalation, and the gap between documentation and real operational capability.


Rather than blaming tools, users, auditors, SOC...


EP001: Welcome to The InfoSec Control Room
EP001: Welcome to The InfoSec Control Room episode artwork
#1
Last Monday at 11:50 PM

In this first original episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI formally introduces the podcast, the story behind it, and the core philosophy that will guide future episodes.


This opening episode explains why The InfoSec Control Room exists, who it is for, and why cybersecurity must be understood beyond tools, incidents, vulnerabilities, frameworks, and technical controls.


Taher introduces his background across information security, cybersecurity governance, GRC, SecOps, CSIRT, audit, risk management, resilience, advisory, training, public speaking, and CISO-level decision-making. He also explains why many security programs fail...


Media Archive: Building Cyber Resilience Beyond Compliance | Full Webinar | Taher Amine ELHOUARI - iExperts
Media Archive: Building Cyber Resilience Beyond Compliance | Full Webinar | Taher Amine ELHOUARI - iExperts episode artwork
07/30/2026

Compliance may demonstrate that security requirements have been addressed. Cyber resilience demonstrates that governance, people, processes, and technology can continue to operate under real pressure.

This special webinar edition of The InfoSec Control Room presents the complete audio recording of my latest iExperts session: BUILDING CYBER RESILIENCE BEYOND COMPLIANCE.

During this session, I examine why organizations can remain operationally fragile despite having policies, certifications, risk registers, control frameworks, and extensive compliance documentation.

The webinar explores how organizations can move beyond checkbox compliance and connect leadership accountability, cybersecurity governance, enterprise risk management, GRC, SOC...


Media Archive: Conformity Assessment Meets Cybersecurity | FIRST & AfricaCERT Symposium 2025
06/23/2026

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares his conference session from the FIRST & AfricaCERT Symposium 2025 in Mauritius: “Conformity Assessment Meets Cybersecurity: Building a Common Language Between Auditors and Analysts.”

This session explores one of the most important gaps in cybersecurity assurance: why organizations can appear compliant on paper while still struggling to detect, respond to, and contain real attacks. The discussion connects conformity assessment, certification audits, SOC operations, CSIRT response, security metrics, incident evidence, and governance maturity into one practical conversation. It shows how auditors, assessors, regulators, SOC analysts, and inci...


Media Archive: The Hidden Face of Cyber Extortion on Algerian National TV
06/23/2026

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares a national television intervention from Taqassi — Season Five, produced by Algerian National Television, focused on cyber extortion and online blackmail. This episode explores one of the most dangerous and rapidly growing crimes in the digital space: how attackers exploit psychology, privacy gaps, digital habits, and weak awareness to pressure, manipulate, and harm individuals.

The discussion reflects one of the core missions of The InfoSec Control Room: making cybersecurity, governance, risk, compliance, and resilience practical, understandable, and connected to real-world impact. Rather than treating cy...


Media Archive: From Chaos to Control — Building and Maturing CERT/CSIRT Teams
06/23/2026

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares a full masterclass titled “From Chaos to Control: Understanding, Building, and Maturing Your Cyber Response Team.” This session focuses on the fundamentals, structure, and maturity of cyber response teams, including CERTs, CSIRTs, operational readiness, field tactics, and the architecture of cyber resilience.

The episode reflects one of the core missions of The InfoSec Control Room: moving beyond theory and showing how cybersecurity governance, incident response, operational structure, and resilience come together in practice. Rather than treating incident response as a purely technical activity, this...


Media Archive: Cybersecurity Challenges, Certifications, and Career Lessons
06/23/2026

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares a guest podcast interview originally featured on Lweirday Experience.

This conversation explores cybersecurity from multiple angles: fundamentals, career development, certifications, ethical hacking, development security, red/blue/purple teaming, cybersecurity teams, ICS and SCADA security, standards, and the challenges organizations face when building serious security capabilities.

The episode reflects one of the core missions of The InfoSec Control Room: making cybersecurity, governance, risk, compliance, and resilience practical, understandable, and connected to real professional experience.

Rather than treating cybersecurity as only...


Media Archive: Information Security — A Leading Experience
06/23/2026

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares a long-form interview hosted by Adel BOUROUIS for Algerian Tech Makers.

This discussion explores Taher’s journey in information security and cybersecurity, including career development, lessons learned, certifications, challenges, field experience, community contribution, and the mindset required to grow seriously in the cybersecurity field.

The episode reflects one of the core missions of The InfoSec Control Room: connecting cybersecurity knowledge, governance thinking, professional growth, and practical field experience in a way that is useful for students, practitioners, leaders, and the wider cy...


Media Archive: Cybersecurity & Data Protection Panel at CTO Forum 2025
06/23/2026

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares his intervention during the Cybersecurity & Data Protection Panel at CTO Forum 2025 in Algiers.

This panel focused on key challenges facing organizations in today’s evolving threat landscape, including cybersecurity strategy, risk management, cloud security, data protection, governance, regulatory alignment, and secure development.

The discussion reflects one of the core missions of The InfoSec Control Room: connecting cybersecurity, governance, risk, compliance, and resilience with real-world leadership decisions.

Rather than treating cybersecurity as a purely technical topic, this episode highlights the im...


Media Archive: Electronic Flies and Cybersecurity on Algerian National TV
06/23/2026

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares a national television appearance on the topic of electronic flies, cybersecurity, online manipulation, and digital awareness.

This discussion focuses on how digital platforms can be misused to influence, manipulate, mislead, or attack individuals and communities, and why cybersecurity awareness must go beyond passwords, devices, and technical controls.

The episode reflects one of the core missions of The InfoSec Control Room: helping people understand the real-world impact of cybersecurity, governance, risk, trust, and resilience in daily digital life.

Rather than...


Media Archive: IT/OT Convergence at North Africa OT Security Forum
06/23/2026

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares an intervention from the North Africa OT Security Forum, originally featured on ExpressFM.

This discussion focuses on IT/OT convergence, cybersecurity risks, operational resilience, and the opportunities created when industrial environments, critical systems, and digital technologies become increasingly connected.

The episode reflects one of the core missions of The InfoSec Control Room: looking beyond technical security controls and asking what cyber risk means for governance, continuity, resilience, accountability, and decision-making in real operational environments.

Rather than treating OT security...


Media Archive: Cybersecurity and Digital Awareness at Médiatics Radio
06/23/2026

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares a public radio appearance originally recorded with Médiatics, an Algeria-based radio program.

This episode focuses on cybersecurity, digital awareness, online risk, and the importance of making information security accessible to a wider audience beyond technical teams.

The discussion reflects one of the core missions of The InfoSec Control Room: making cybersecurity, governance, risk, compliance, and resilience practical, understandable, and connected to real-world impact.

Rather than treating cybersecurity as only a technical discipline, this session highlights the importance of a...


Media Archive: Cybersecurity Awareness Session on Radio Médéa
06/23/2026

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares a cybersecurity awareness session originally recorded at Radio Médéa.

This episode focuses on public cybersecurity education, online risk, digital safety, and the importance of making security awareness accessible beyond technical teams. It reflects the role of media, experts, and local initiatives in helping people better understand cyber threats and adopt safer digital behavior.

The discussion aligns with the mission of The InfoSec Control Room: making cybersecurity, governance, risk, compliance, and resilience practical, understandable, and connected to real-world impact.

...


Media Archive: CrowdStrike Global Incident Analysis on Algerian National TV
06/23/2026

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares a national television appearance analyzing the CrowdStrike global incident and its wider impact on cybersecurity, operational resilience, digital trust, and organizational dependency on critical technology providers.

This episode reflects one of the core missions of The InfoSec Control Room: looking beyond the technical headline and asking what major cyber and technology incidents reveal about governance, risk, continuity, accountability, and resilience.

Rather than treating the incident as only a technical failure, this discussion highlights the importance of preparedness, crisis management, third-party risk...


Media Archive: OWASP Algiers on Radio Médéa — Information & Cyber Security
06/23/2026

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares a public radio appearance connected to OWASP Algiers Chapter on Radio Médéa.

This episode focuses on information security, cybersecurity awareness, community engagement, and the role of local initiatives in helping students, professionals, developers, and the wider public better understand digital risk.

The discussion reflects one of the core missions of The InfoSec Control Room: making cybersecurity, governance, risk, and resilience practical, accessible, and connected to real communities.

Rather than treating cybersecurity as a closed technical discipline, this ep...


Media Archive: OWASP Algiers & TechVerse Club on Radio Médéa
06/23/2026

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares a public radio appearance connected to the TID event, OWASP Algiers, and TechVerse Club on Radio Médéa.

This episode highlights the community and awareness side of cybersecurity: bringing security knowledge closer to students, young professionals, developers, and the wider public through local initiatives, events, and public discussion.

The discussion reflects one of the core missions of The InfoSec Control Room: making cybersecurity, governance, risk, and resilience practical, accessible, and connected to real communities.

Rather than treating cybersecurity as...


Media Archive: Cybersecurity Awareness Session on Algerian National TV
06/23/2026

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares a cybersecurity awareness session originally featured on Algerian National Television.

This episode focuses on making cybersecurity understandable for a wider public audience, connecting technical security concepts with everyday digital behavior, online risk, awareness, and the role of experts in helping society build stronger cyber maturity.

The discussion reflects one of the core missions of The InfoSec Control Room: turning cybersecurity, governance, risk, and resilience into practical knowledge that people, organizations, and decision-makers can actually use.

Rather than treating cybersecurity...


Media Archive: Cybersecurity Zero to Hero with The Algerian Developer
06/23/2026

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares a cybersecurity live show originally hosted by TAD — The Algerian Developer.

This session focuses on the journey from cybersecurity fundamentals to professional growth, helping learners, students, developers, and aspiring security practitioners understand how to approach the field with the right mindset, discipline, and practical learning path.

The discussion reflects one of the core missions of The InfoSec Control Room: making cybersecurity, governance, risk, and resilience understandable, practical, and connected to real-world professional development.

Rather than presenting cybersecurity as only a...


Media Archive: Cybersecurity Interview at Eco-Podcast
06/23/2026

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares a public cybersecurity interview originally featured on Eco-Podcast.

The discussion explores cybersecurity, information security leadership, digital trust, professional development, and the role of security practitioners in helping organizations and society better understand cyber risk.

This episode reflects the broader mission of The InfoSec Control Room: connecting cybersecurity, governance, risk, resilience, and field experience in a practical way for professionals, students, leaders, and decision-makers.

Topics include:

Cybersecurity and information securityDigital trustSecurity leadershipProfessional growth in cybersecurityAwareness and public educationThe role...


Media Archive: Cybersecurity and Privacy at JilTech 3rd Edition
06/23/2026

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares a public cybersecurity and privacy intervention delivered during JilTech 3rd Edition in Ghardaia, Algeria.

This session reflects the educational and awareness side of cybersecurity: helping audiences understand how information security, privacy, digital behavior, and cyber risk connect in real-world environments.

The discussion aligns with the mission of The InfoSec Control Room: making cybersecurity, governance, risk, compliance, and resilience practical, understandable, and relevant for professionals, students, leaders, and the wider public.

Rather than treating cybersecurity as only a technical discipline...


Media Archive: Cybersecurity Fundamentals Masterclass with GoMyCode
06/23/2026

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares a cybersecurity fundamentals masterclass originally delivered with GoMyCode.

This session focuses on making cybersecurity more accessible, practical, and understandable for learners, students, professionals, and anyone interested in entering or strengthening their path in information security.

The discussion reflects one of the core missions of The InfoSec Control Room: connecting cybersecurity knowledge with practical thinking, governance awareness, digital trust, and real-world security maturity.

Rather than treating cybersecurity as a purely technical subject, this masterclass highlights the importance of understanding risk...


Media Archive: Cybersecurity Experts Panel at ICT Maghreb 2023
06/23/2026

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares a recorded cybersecurity experts panel intervention from ICT Maghreb 2023.

This discussion reflects the public speaking and industry-engagement side of cybersecurity: exchanging perspectives with experts, addressing real-world cyber challenges, and helping a wider audience understand the role of security leadership, awareness, governance, and technical expertise in building safer digital ecosystems.

The episode fits the mission of The InfoSec Control Room: connecting cybersecurity, governance, risk, resilience, and practical field experience in a way that is useful for professionals, students, leaders, and decision-makers.

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Media Archive: Cybersecurity Awareness on Algerian National Television
05/10/2023

In this Media Archive episode of The InfoSec Control Room, Taher Amine ELHOUARI shares a public media appearance as a cybersecurity expert on Algerian National Television.

The discussion focuses on cybersecurity awareness, ethical hacking, online risk, digital safety, and the importance of helping the public understand how cyber threats affect individuals, organizations, and society.

This episode reflects one of the core missions of The InfoSec Control Room: making cybersecurity, governance, risk, and resilience understandable, practical, and connected to real-world impact.

Original appearance: May 10, 2023.

Topics include:

Cybersecurity awarenessEthical hackingDigital safetyOnline riskPublic...