In a surprising twist reminiscent of high-stakes espionage, the world's wealthiest individual, Elon Musk, goes by the code name "Voyager" within his security team, as revealed in a report by The New York Times. This uncovering sheds light on the extensive security measures Musk implements due to his substantial wealth and public prominence.
Over the years, Elon Musk's approach to personal security has significantly changed. Initially living a low-key lifestyle with minimal security measures, Musk shifted to a more stringent security protocol around 2014 as his wealth and status grew. His security team now consists of up to 20 bodyguards, including armed personnel and a medical professional, tasked with ensuring Musk's safety at all times. This reflects the elevated risk profile he faces as the CEO of both Tesla and SpaceX, as well as being the wealthiest individual globally with a net worth exceeding $250 billion.
The expenses related to Musk's security are substantial, with reports indicating that his security costs exceeded $163,000 in January 2016 alone. Recent financial records show that Musk's security company billed $2.4 million in 2023, along with an additional $500,000 through February 2024 as per Tesla’s SEC filings. These figures underscore the significant financial investment Musk has made to guarantee his safety.
In addition to personal security, Musk has taken other precautionary measures, such as purchasing a new residence in 2022 to avoid public scrutiny of his previous address. The new property boasts 24/7 security, showcasing Musk's proactive stance towards safeguarding his privacy and security.
While Elon Musk is known for his security measures, he is not the only tech mogul to prioritize such precautions.Increased focus on security is evident within the tech industry, with notable figures such as Mark Zuckerberg and Tim Cook receiving significant compensation for personal security expenses. Tesla has also enhanced its security measures in response to threats, such as implementing stricter badge checks and addressing reported terroristic threats.
