In early 2004, Tsouli joined two now defunct password-protected forums sympathetic to al-Qaeda in Iraq, Muntada al-Ansar al-Islami (Islam Supporters Forum) and al-Ekhlas (Sincerity). There, he gained a reputation as a resident expert on Internet technologies, especially on matters on both enhancing and defeating on-line security.
In early 2004, Tsouli joined two now-defunct password-protected online forums that were supportive of al-Qaeda in Iraq, Muntada al-Ansar al-Islami and al-Ekhlas, where he became known as a specialist on Internet technologies, especially concerning both strengthening and weakening online security.