From Cyber Warrior to Faculty: Bringing Security Expertise to Foster

When people imagine spies and crime fighters, they often think of action movies, high-tech gadgets, secret operations, and global espionage. But in this digital age, some of the most critical battles happen behind a keyboard, and the heroes protecting our country and our data often go unseen. Foster School of Business faculty member Crystal Bulda is one of these heroes.

Bulda is a veteran who has spent nearly 30 years defending against cyber threats—first as a U.S. Army information systems engineer, where she gained her cybersecurity expertise, and then as a corporate security leader and innovator. She’s protected military infrastructure, uncovered vulnerabilities in critical systems, and taken on nation-state hackers.

Now, she brings that real-world experience into the Foster classroom, helping Master of Science in Information Studies (MSIS) students build the skills they need for careers in cybersecurity.

From military cyber ops to corporate security

For Bulda, transitioning from the military to the corporate world wasn’t just about changing workplaces. It was about shifting her mindset.

After retiring from the Army, she stepped into a senior security role at Microsoft, where she addressed large-scale cyber incidents. When she later became the Senior Technology Manager of Cyber Security Operations role at Lululemon (still her favorite place to buy leggings), she had to adapt her cybersecurity expertise again.

“Something that might not be a concern for one company is a major issue for another,” she explains. “You need to realize what’s important to them because the scale is different. Sometimes, you have to shift what you put your focus on.” 

Bulda’s military experience taught her discipline, problem-solving, and strategic thinking—skills that have translated seamlessly into corporate security. The key was learning how to apply those skills in a business setting. That’s where an MSIS degree can make all the difference, providing the knowledge and industry exposure needed to land a job, even for people without specific experience. 

Bridging business and technology in cybersecurity

Cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and encryption—it’s about understanding business needs and aligning security with organizational goals. Bulda emphasizes this in the MSIS program. Her courses, Cyber Security Policy, Management & Compliance, and Security Analytics, help students connect technical expertise and business strategy.

As important as the technical side of cybersecurity is, turning the technical lingo into a conversation that business leaders can understand is what makes for effective security professionals. “You have to think about how technology and security align with the business goals of an organization and then convey those ideas back and forth between the two worlds,” she says. “The Master of Science in Information Systems helps you bridge that gap.” The program provides technical training and the business acumen needed to stand out in today’s competitive job market.

As Bulda and her students discuss policy, governance, and cybersecurity laws, she draws on decades of experience with digital attacks and real-world encounters with hackers.

“Whether it’s things I’ve done in the military, at Microsoft, or Lululemon, I use real-world incidents to drive home why we have compliance, why we need policies, and why cybersecurity matters in general,” she explains.

Cybersecurity is a fast-growing field, mainly due to the increasing number of cyberattacks and the heightened need for data protection across industries. Almost every business or organizational entity, from dental plans to news outlets and nonprofits, needs cybersecurity support and expertise.

“This is never going away,” Bulda says. “Cybersecurity is just a problem that’s going to continue to grow and grow. So, I want to get students excited about it and help them understand why we do certain things and why this work is important.” 

Advice for getting a job in cybersecurity

According to Bulda, a Master of Science in Information Systems is a logical step for anyone seeking to become a cybersecurity leader. Cybersecurity is rapidly growing, and Bulda believes that almost all companies and organizations need or will soon require in-house cybersecurity experts.

One of Foster’s most significant advantages is learning from industry professionals like Bulda, who bring multiple perspectives into the classroom. As an active practitioner, she’s in the thick of it daily, navigating current challenges and staying ahead of emerging threats. That kind of immediate, first-hand insight is invaluable, giving students a direct line to what’s happening in the field.

We asked Bulda what advice she offers to anyone hoping to work in cybersecurity:

• Be curious and ask all the questions. Things change quickly in this field, and the best security professionals are always learning. If you’re not asking questions, you’ll fall behind.
• Stay aware of global cyber threats. Follow the news, track significant breaches, and understand how political and economic factors affect cybersecurity risks. Awareness makes you a stronger problem solver. Learning about other company attacks will help you know how to better secure your organization.
• Be proactive and involved. Whether you’re in school or already working, networking with others in the industry helps you learn about threats, best practices, and new job opportunities. Cybersecurity is a fast-moving field, and networking keeps you in the know.
• Take advantage of Seattle’s business scene. Foster students have the opportunity to go behind the scenes at major companies, where they meet key leaders. “You really want to take advantage of being in the Seattle area and all of the industries here,” Bulda says. “Being here gives you that ‘foot in the door’ and insight into career opportunities that the average person doesn’t get.” Seattle offers students exposure to current industry challenges and a better understanding of career opportunities.

Cybersecurity: A career with purpose

For those seeking a career where they can make a real difference, cybersecurity is a field where every move matters. Whether it’s protecting critical infrastructure, securing sensitive data, or stopping cybercriminals, cybersecurity professionals play a considerable role in protecting society.

With a career spanning military operations, corporate security, and higher education, Crystal Bulda knows this work isn’t just a job but a mission. Through the Master of Science in Information Systems program, she’s helping the next wave of professionals break into the field, bridge the gap between business and technology, and fight to keep our digital world safe. 

Learn more about the Master of Science in Information Systems program.