Member since December 2024
Crystal Pugh is the Founder and CEO of Cyber Protection Consulting Services, a boutique IT firm specializing in cybersecurity and technology solutions for small to mid-sized organizations, especially nonprofits and mission-driven businesses. With over 10 years of experience in the tech industry, Crystal provides tailored security strategies, virtual CISO services, and IT leadership to help clients safeguard their digital assets. Her commitment to empowering businesses with practical, secure, and innovative solutions has made her a trusted advisor in cybersecurity. Driven by a passion for community service, Crystal works tirelessly to ensure that organizations can grow and thrive securely in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.
Before founding Cyber Protection Consulting Services, Crystal held leadership roles in IT management and system administration for nonprofits and corporate organizations. Her expertise extends across strategic technology planning, IT governance, business continuity planning, and cybersecurity implementation. She is particularly passionate about empowering businesses to grow while maintaining robust cybersecurity practices.
A leader committed to helping clients navigate an increasingly digital world, Crystal's goal is to ensure that even the smallest businesses can achieve enterprise-grade security. She’s a strong advocate for integrating cybersecurity with business strategy to ensure resilience, efficiency, and innovation.
When not consulting, Crystal dedicates her time to mentoring young professionals and women in tech, equipping them with the tools to succeed in cybersecurity and IT.
She speaks at conferences and community events, as well as contributes to various nonprofits. She is passionate about economic development and helping women excel in their IT careers. Crystal works with small teams to develop strong programs that will help them succeed in the future.
Cyber Protection Consulting Services Inc. is transforming the way nonprofits think about technology. Our mission is to help organizations develop, implement and maintain effective strategies with minimal impact on their budgets. We strive to provide the best, most secure IT solution available on the market. With our experience and expertise, we are helping nonprofits protect against security threats while maintaining focus on their mission.
Crystal is an avid coffee lover, always on the lookout for the perfect brew. She enjoys exploring new coffee shops and trying out different regional blends. Her love for amusement parks fuels her desire to learn all Marvel and Star Wars canon. She is also a big fan of Apple products and enjoys keeping up with the latest tech advancements. In her free time, you can find Crystal sipping coffee, planning her next adventure, or geeking out over the latest Apple release.
While working in IT for a nonprofit, Crystal realized there was a recurring theme: nonprofits and small businesses lacked in-house IT staff and were struggling to make strategic decisions to simplify adherence to regulation and compliance standards. These organizations are critical to our communities and can't afford to recover from a catastrophic data breach or sever operational disruptions.
This realization in combination with Crystal’s expertise in enterprise-level security for Mac devices allowed her to see a clear opportunity: these organizations didn’t just need IT support—they needed a partner who could guide them toward compliance, ensure business continuity, and empower them with tools and strategies to protect their mission.
2016 was a pivotal year because it shaped the mission and values of Cyber Protection Consulting Services:
Integrity and Trust: Recognizing that these organizations needed a trusted partner to demystify cybersecurity.
Innovation and Empowerment: Offering cutting-edge, scalable solutions for organizations that often feel overlooked.
Service: Committing to protect not just digital infrastructures, but the missions of nonprofits and small businesses that serve their communities.
While working in IT for a nonprofit, Crystal realized there was a recurring theme: nonprofits and small businesses lacked in-house IT staff and were struggling to make strategic decisions to simplify adherence to regulation and compliance standards. These organizations are critical to our communities and can't afford to recover from a catastrophic data breach or sever operational disruptions.
This realization in combination with Crystal’s expertise in enterprise-level security for Mac devices allowed her to see a clear opportunity: these organizations didn’t just need IT support—they needed a partner who could guide them toward compliance, ensure business continuity, and empower them with tools and strategies to protect their mission.
2016 was a pivotal year because it shaped the mission and values of Cyber Protection Consulting Services:
Integrity and Trust: Recognizing that these organizations needed a trusted partner to demystify cybersecurity.
Innovation and Empowerment: Offering cutting-edge, scalable solutions for organizations that often feel overlooked.
Service: Committing to protect not just digital infrastructures, but the missions of nonprofits and small businesses that serve their communities.