In a surprising turn reminiscent of high-stakes spy games, Elon Musk, the richest person in the world, goes by the codename "Voyager" within his security team, as revealed in a report by The New York Times. This disclosure sheds light on the extensive security measures Musk has in place due to his vast wealth and high public profile.
Over the years, Elon Musk's approach to personal security has significantly changed. Initially leading a low-key lifestyle with minimal security, by 2014, as his wealth and status grew, he shifted to a more rigorous security protocol. This new strategy involved a rotating team of up to 20 bodyguards, some armed, and a medical professional dedicated to managing potential threats and ensuring Musk's safety at all times. This enhanced security reflects Musk's elevated risk profile as the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and the wealthiest individual globally with a net worth exceeding $250 billion.
The expenses related to Elon Musk's security are substantial. Reports show that his security costs surpassed $163,000 in January 2016 alone. Recent filings by Tesla with the SEC reveal that Musk's security company billed $2.4 million in 2023 and an additional $500,000 by February 2024, underscoring the significant financial investment Musk makes to protect himself.
Apart from personal security, Elon Musk has made other protective investments, such as acquiring a new residence in 2022 to avoid public scrutiny of his previous address. The new property boasts 24/7 security measures, demonstrating Musk's proactive efforts to safeguard his privacy and personal safety.
While Musk is known for his security measures, he is not the only tech magnate who prioritizes such precautions.Security is a major concern for top tech leaders. In 2023, a large portion of Mark Zuckerberg's compensation at Meta was dedicated to personal security expenses. Similarly, Apple invested significantly in ensuring the security and private travel arrangements for CEO Tim Cook, aligning with the broader pattern seen among prominent executives. Tesla has also taken steps to enhance its security protocols in response to threats. Following a death threat against former CFO Zachary Kirkhorn, Tesla implemented stricter badge checks at its facilities and dealt with various reported terroristic threats with law enforcement.