Billionaire Security

Mar 07, 2024

Sources

Bodyguards, security costs, and private jets: Companies can spend millions protecting CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg and Tim Cook

The world's top executives earn millions in compensation each year — but it's not all cash money.

Security and private jets for head honchos can costs companies millions each year.
Take a look at how much some of the world's top companies spend on protecting and flying execs.

Dara Khosrowshahi: $507,579 in 2021

Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber's CEO, earned $19,937,818 in fiscal year 2021, which included $507,738 in "other compensation," according to the company's 2022 proxy statement.

His security and personal safety costs added up to $507,579 — $402,366 of which was for personal transportation services and $105,213 of which was for "protective intelligence services."

Uber's filing says its security program includes certified protection officers, as well as secure meeting spaces and lodging for its executives.
In 2021, Uber provided security staff at Khosrowshahi's residence, along with technology equipment, "and services to Mr. Khosrowshahi at his home that were intended to duplicate, as best as possible, those services that would have been provided to him at our corporate headquarters, in order to make his home secure and functional as his primary workplace, to comply with local stay at home orders in effect as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and based on our assessment of the credibility of threats that were made against Mr. Khosrowshahi."

The company's filing said that since it implemented its security program it "has identified actual and credible threats to Mr. Khosrowshahi's safety as a result of the high-profile nature of being our CEO."

Andy Jassy: $589,149 in 2021

Amazon President and CEO Andy Jassy earned $212,701,169 in total compensation in fiscal year 2021, which included $592,649 in "other compensation," according to Amazon's most recent proxy statement.
The company spent $589,149 on Jassy's security arrangements, both at business facilities and during business travel. The filing says "security costs are reasonable and necessary and for the Company's benefit."

Bob Iger: $878,206 in 2022

Bob Iger served as executive chairman at The Walt Disney Company before being reappointed as CEO in November 2022.
In fiscal year 2022, Iger was not serving as an executive officer, but still earned $14,998,299 in fiscal year 2022, $2,466,520 of which was in "other compensation," according to the company's proxy statement filed last month.

Iger's personal air travel cost $47,769, and his security cost $830,437.

Ted Sarandos: $1,101,063 in 2021

Ted Sarandos, who served as co-CEO of Netflix with Reed Hastings in 2021, as well as chief content officer, earned $38,232,164 in total compensation for that fiscal year, according to the company's proxy statement.
That included $1,112,663 in "other compensation," such as $16,353 for car services, $192,137 for personal use of the company's aircraft, and $892,573 for residential security.

Tim Cook: $1,358,515 in 2022

Apple CEO Tim Cook earned $99,420,097 in total compensation in fiscal year 2022, according to the company's SEC filing.
That included $1,425,933 in "other compensation" — like $591,196 in security expenses and $767,319 for his personal private aircraft use.

Apple's Board requires Cook to use private aircraft for business and personal travel "for security and efficiency reasons."

Larry Ellison: $1,564,394 in 2022

Larry Ellison, chairman and chief technology officer at Oracle, earned $138,652,063 in total compensation in fiscal year 2022, according to the company's proxy statement.

His "other compensation" amounted to $1,577,707, which included $1,564,394 for security for his primary residence. Ellison, himself, pays for security for his other residences, according to the filing.

[Bezos]
Jeff Bezos: $1,600,000 in 2021

Amazon founder and executive chair Jeff Bezos earned $1,681,840 in total compensation in fiscal year 2021, $1,600,000 of which was in "other compensation," according to the company's proxy statement.
His other compensation "represents the approximate aggregate incremental cost to Amazon of security arrangements for Mr. Bezos in addition to security arrangements provided at business facilities and for business travel," the filing says.
Amazon said in its filing that the costs for Bezos's security are "especially reasonable" because he has a "low salary" and hasn't received any stock-based pay.

The company was granted permission to install bulletproof panels to Bezos's office in January 2019. They cost $180,000 to install, and can reportedly withstand gunshots from a military-grade assault rifle.
Bezos's entourage of security personnel can seem overwhelming even to people used to an entourage.
When Bezos was on set for his cameo in "Star Trek Beyond," actor Chris Pine said, "I was there for the bit with his, like, nine bodyguards and three limos. It was really intense."

Pine said he didn't know who Bezos was, but that "he was obviously very important."

Sundar Pichai: $4,309,583 in 2021

Google CEO Sundar Pichai earned $6,322,599 in compensation for fiscal year 2021, according to the company's proxy statement.
His "other compensation" beyond his salary amounted to $4,322,599 — $4,309,583 of which was for personal security. His other compensation also includes personal use of Google's aircraft, but that dollar amount was not listed.
Pichai's security had to be stepped up in 2018 after a woman shot three people, then herself, at YouTube headquarters in April of that year.

Mark Zuckerberg: $26,823,060 in 2021

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg earned $26,823,061 in total compensation during fiscal year 2021, according to the company's SEC filing. Although his salary is listed as $1, Zuckerberg received $26,823,060 in "other compensation."
This amount included $15,195,103 in security costs for his residences and during personal travel, and he receives an annual pre-tax allowance of $10,000,000 to cover any additional costs for his and his family's personal security. His other compensation also includes $1,627,957 for his personal private aircraft use.
According to an Insider investigation into Facebook's security operations, Zuckerberg has 24/7 protection, and one of his Bay Area homes has a panic room.
The investigation also found that there's a rumor among Facebook employees of a "panic chute" at the Facebook office in case Zuckerberg and his team need to evacuate.

Billionaire Security: Ultimate Protection Measures

For the average American, a home alarm system may be the extent of his or her security detail.
But for the super-rich, it’s another story. They’re taking security to a new high in technology and price.

With billionaires worried about protestors, pirates and kidnappers, they’re fortifying their homes, yachts and even private jets with high-tech security.
The price tag to equip homes of the super-rich can be as cutting edge as the technology.

[Home/yacht security]
Entry-level protection for such homes routinely easily reaches $150,000, but it can also be “fabulously more expensive,” said Al Corbi, president of Safe,a firm which designs custom security for the ultra-wealthy.

It all depends on the amount of security, size of the home and the specific details involved.
One of his latest projects has a price tag of $10 million. What do you get for that kind of money?

“It would be full life-support systems that would keep these people and sustain them for generations, even if they were the last two people on earth,” Corbi said.
Those seeking top-level protection on the high seas can expect to spend 7 percent to 8 percent of the yacht’s total value, according to retired Coast Guard Vice Admiral Brian Peterman, now with Command at Sea International.

So, a $54 million dollar super-yacht security retrofit would cost between $3.7 million and $4.3 million.

Here we take a look at some of the unbelievable lengths billionaires can go to in their quest for the ultimate protection, as well as the costs associated with the various security measures.
Because prices can range widely when it comes to securing a house, the prices quoted here for home security are based on Safe’s show home in the Hollywood Hills section of Los Angeles.
[Home protection]
Safe Core

Cost: $150,000
Forget the single panic room, these days the über-rich can create an entire safe core inside their mansion.
By installing bullet- and bomb-proof door, walls, ceiling and floors, an entire area of the home — including bedrooms and bathrooms — is considered safe.

With a week’s worth of supplies stored in the safe core, a family can live comfortably while they wait out the threat.

“Even though you don’t see any signs of security, it’s a fortress,” Safe’s Al Corbi said. “Security isn’t something that should make you feel hunkered down and restricted. On the contrary, it should liberate you. Once you have it, you can go on with your life.”

Command Center and Cameras

Cost: $150,000
Within a home’s safe core is another safe room that is the command center. A ballistic door separates it from the safe core, and it’s “where everything happens,” according to Corbi.
The home’s occupants can view the entire house on a computer or tablet, thanks to the cameras strategically placed throughout the inside and outside of the building.

They can also communicate with whoever is in the house and deploy any tactical security measures necessary.

Shotgun Shell Weapon

While this device may not look like a weapon, it is actually quite deadly. Hidden behind walls and ceilings to blend with the architecture, it shoots 15 shotgun shells when activated.
The weapon can be deployed remotely, and requires a series of authentications before it can fire. While it has been installed in homes outside the U.S., Safe said it does not use the device anymore in the houses it secures.

Fog Blast

Cost: $7,000 - $10,000 per unit
A non-lethal way to stop an intruder cold: A fog blaster located in an area or multiple areas of the house.

Once activated, the device disables the invader with a sleeping compound or pepper spray laced into the foggy air.

The fogger is part of the home’s tactical defense system that can be accessed remotely. At $10,000, the fogger is even affordable for those who aren’t super-rich.

Heliport

Cost: $60,000 - $100,000
If an escape from the home is necessary, a heliport on the rooftop enables helicopters to whisk the rich away.
The landing pad is particularly important for those in areas subject to earthquakes and fires, like California.
When a natural disaster makes roads impassable, it not only allows the home’s inhabitants to escape, it also can be used by an area hospital to airlift someone out in case of emergency.

What’s more, it can be equipped with a fire hydrant that can hook up with a fire department helicopter to help it fight fires.

Biological Wash

Cost: $5,000 for the system to hook up to the shower.
This bathroom’s shower may look beautiful and functional, but it serves another purpose. It’s equipped with a “biological wash.” In the event of a bio-attack, it scrubs away offending chemical or biological agents — no appointment needed.

Anti-Missile Devices

Cost: Approximately $1 million
The super-rich like to travel in style, and that means private jets like the Gulfstream G4, pictured left.
But the convenience of private jet travel also comes with risks. Security teams take every precaution when the aircraft is on the ground.
But the protection doesn’t end there, it can also continue when the plane is airborne. Security experts tell CNBC that there are a couple dozen aircraft in the world that have electronic counter measures to thwart an incoming missile attack. Those measures can include a jamming system that blocks the infrared tracking systems for missiles.

Floating Fortresses

Mega yachts and their wealthy owners make prime targets for pirates and terrorists, so many opt to turn their expensive toys into secure fortresses.
The idea is similar to what’s done in their homes, but the stakes are much higher, since help can be an ocean away.
The master suite of the super-yacht “Harbour Island,” pictured left, doubles as the ship’s panic room — complete with ballistic glass that protects against bullets and two to three days’ worth of food.

“They also have communications on board where you can alert the law enforcement people to come and assist you. These provide the ability for the crew to maintain command and control of the vessel,” said retired Coast Guard Admiral Brian Peterman, now with Command at Sea International.

Footstep Detector
Due to the super-yachts’ size, it is possible for hijackers to get on board without being seen. That’s why some owners decide to embed a security system in the yacht’s deck that detects every footstep. If anyone climbs aboard, the moment he or she puts a foot down, the security system alerts the staff and immediately trains the ship’s cameras on the person’s location.

How Much Silicon Valley CEOs Spend on Security and Protection

Silicon Valley contains a high concentration of the world's richest tech billionaires, many of whom spend huge amounts on personal-security measures.

Public filings can give us some insight into how much tech moguls spend on security, as their companies shell out millions to keep their executives safe, sometimes by buying them commodities like private planes.

Public records are just the tip of the iceberg, as Silicon Valley's richest can supplement their security costs out of their own (considerably deep) pockets.
Dara Khosrowshahi: $596,500

A proxy statement filed by Uber in March 2020 said the company paid out $596,554 in "business and personal security costs" for Khosrowshahi in 2019.
This is a significant drop since 2018, as Uber's IPO filing revealed that CEO Dara Khosrowshahi's compensation included $2 million for "security costs," roughly equivalent to his bonus.
In 2019 the company also paid Khosrowshahi's $1,392,569 for costs incurred by "personal travel in Uber-provided vehicles."

Sundar Pichai: $1.2 million

Google spent $1.2 million on security CEO Sundar Pichai in 2018, almost double the previous year when he was handed $680,000 for personal protection.
The sudden uptick in Pichai's security expenditure came months after an active shooter entered YouTube's San Bruno campus, injuring three employees.

Pichai's new "overall security program" was approved in July 2018, three months after Nasim Najafi Aghdam shot three people and then herself at YouTube HQ in San Bruno. Following the attack, YouTube announced that it was stepping up its security.

A Google spokesperson told Business Insider's Nick Bastone that stepping up Pichai's security was part of a more general trend — Pichai's security cost also doubled between 2016 and 2017.

Jeff Bezos: $1.6 million

The world's richest man doesn't spend the most on security — at least not publicly. Forbes reports that the amount Amazon shells out for Bezos' security hasn't changed since 2012 despite the billionaire's wealth growing by about $113 billion.

An Amazon spokesperson said Bezos pays separately for his personal security.

Bezos had bulletproof panels installed in his office.

A Seattle city-planning permit, spotted by The Daily Beast, showed that Amazon applied to install bulletproof panels in Bezos' office in November 2018, and was granted permission in January 2019. The panels cost $180,000 to install and can withstand multiple shots from a military assault rifle.

Bezos' personal-protection bills aren't available to scrutinize, but in 2019 his security chief said the billionaire wrote him a blank check to launch a private investigation.

After Bezos' intimate texts to former TV anchor Lauren Sanchez were leaked to The National Enquirer, Bezos hired his personal-security chief, Gavin de Becker, to investigate the source of the leak.
Writing in The Daily Beast in March, de Becker said Bezos told him to "spend whatever is needed" to get to the root of how his texts were obtained by The Enquirer.

Larry Ellison: $1.6 million

Oracle pays the annual costs of protecting CTO and cofounder Larry Ellison's "primary residence," which Forbes speculated is likely to be his Japanese-inspired Woodside estate in California, although the company declined to comment.

Sheryl Sandberg: $4.3 million

Sandberg's security costs climbed by 168% in 2019, from $2.9 million in 2018 to $4.3 million.

Mark Zuckerberg: $23 million

Zuckerberg's security costs skyrocketed in tandem with the company's disastrous 2018.
Facebook spent $10 million on personal protection for Zuckerberg in 2018, up $2.5 million from the year before. He was also given a "pretax allowance" of $10 million for "additional costs" to do with keeping him and his family safe.

In an SEC filing, the company said that public rage directed toward Facebook was part of the reason for Zuckerberg's high security spend.

"He is synonymous with Facebook, and as a result, negative sentiment regarding our company is directly associated with, and often transferred to, Mr. Zuckerberg," Facebook said.
Facebook upheld that astronomical sum for 2019, per a proxy filing from April 2020, spending roughly $23 million on Zuckerberg's security and travel costs.

Zuckerberg's security detail includes 24/7 protection.

Business Insider's Rob Price published a 5,000-word investigation into Facebook's security operations and discovered that Zuckerberg is constantly protected by armed executive protection officers who stand guard outside his Bay Area homes, one of which is equipped with a panic room.

The Facebook CEO is rumored to have an escape passage under his conference room.

Price discovered a popular rumor among Facebook employees is that Zuckerberg has a "panic chute" in case him and his team need to evacuate the offices. One source told Price they had been briefed on the passageway's existence. Facebook declined to comment.

Meta raising Zuckerberg’s security spend $4 million

Meta Platforms Inc. Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg has dubbed 2023 the “year of efficiency,” a signal the social networking company plans to reduce spending and increase speed, but costs are going up in at least one area: his personal security.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is increasing its pretax spending on Zuckerberg’s personal security to $14 million in 2023, up from $10 million the last few years, according to a regulatory filing released Wednesday.
This payment doesn’t include other security expenses the company will accrue on Zuckerberg’s behalf.
The CEO has faced scrutiny in the past for spending more on security than comparable technology executives.

In 2021, for example, the social media giant spent more than $26.8 million on security-related expenses for Zuckerberg and his family, including the $10 million pretax allowance.

But the security payment comes at a time when Meta and Zuckerberg have tried to temper spending in other areas, including through broad-scale job cuts late last year.

In response to slowing revenue from advertising, costly bets on the metaverse and increased investor scrutiny, Zuckerberg unveiled the “Year of Efficiency” label during Meta’s most-recent earnings call earlier this month.
As part of that plan, Meta plans to “flatten” its organizational structure by removing middle managers and using tools such as AI to increase productivity. In it most recent cost-cutting move, the company announced it was shuttering the ‘Live Shopping’ feature on Instagram.

Uncovering the Hidden World of Billionaire Bodyguards

Imagine having a personal team of highly trained, seasoned professionals dedicated solely to your safety and peace of mind. In the world of billionaires, this is a reality.
Welcome to the hidden world of billionaire bodyguards, where security measures go beyond what most people could ever imagine. Now, let’s delve into the intricate details of this fascinating profession.

Private security teams are essential for a billionaire’s lifestyle, providing protection, security, and peace of mind.
Selecting the right bodyguard is paramount to ensure trustworthiness and a specialized skillset.
Bodyguards must employ advanced surveillance technology, enhanced cybersecurity measures, and evolving tactics to protect the rich and famous from potential threats.

The Role of Private Security Teams in a Billionaire's Life

Private security teams are indispensable in a billionaire’s life, providing safety and peace of mind amid the uncertainties of the world. They are like the Secret Service, providing personal protection, securing valuable assets, and guaranteeing event security.
These highly competent bodyguards -- selected after comprehensive background checks -- undergo rigorous training. Their services are tailored to fit the client’s lifestyle, making them an indispensable asset in the high-stakes world of billionaires.

Personal Protection
Personal protection is about offering 24/7 bodyguard services to shield billionaires from potential threats.

These bodyguards, or “shadows” as they are sometimes called, are similar to Secret Service agents, guaranteeing safety and security in situations where police officers may take longer to respond.
These bodyguards, embodying professionalism with their extensive law enforcement background and specialized training in defensive tactics, first aid, and firearms, provide billionaires the assurance to go about their daily lives fearlessly.

Security of assets

Billionaire bodyguards -- apart from providing personal protection -- also secure valuable possessions like mansions, vehicles, and yachts.
Asset security involves evaluating the geographical location of the asset, taking into account surrounding environmental factors, and implementing necessary security measures, like surveillance and alarm systems, to protect against potential threats.
With billionaire assets often being targets for theft, vandalism, and other forms of harm, asset security is a critical component of a comprehensive protection plan.

Event security

High-profile gatherings, such as red-carpet events, charity galas, and exclusive parties, require meticulous planning and coordination to ensure the safety of billionaires and their guests. Event security involves:

Working closely with venue staff and local law enforcement
Establishing perimeters
Deploying metal detectors
Conducting bag checks

Bodyguards, also known as security guards, through constant vigilance and the use of advanced surveillance technology, can effectively control crowds, identify potential threats, track outages, and guarantee a safe experience for all attendees — especially for the VIPs.
Charity events, in particular, can be problematic for high-profile individuals because promoters advertise for weeks about a VIP's appearance, and that gives would-be assassins time to plan something nefarious.

Charity events, in particular, can be problematic for high-profile individuals because promoters advertise for weeks about a VIP's appearance, and that gives would-be assassins time to plan something nefarious.

Selecting the perfect security detail for a billionaire requires a comprehensive search, including background checks, evaluation of specialized training, and verification of compatibility with the client’s lifestyle.

The right security team should have a flawless reputation, a proven history of delivering effective services, and the ability to adapt to varying circumstances.
From military or law enforcement backgrounds to cultural sensitivity and confidentiality, these attributes are key to providing the highest level of protection and discretion, ensuring the quality of those services.

Trustworthiness and experience are paramount when selecting a security detail.

Background checks ensure that a potential bodyguard has no criminal record or history of violence, while qualifications such as physical fitness, self-defense skills, and first-aid certification are essential for effective protection.
Validating a bodyguard’s background and qualifications instills confidence in billionaires about the quality of their security and the trustworthiness of the individuals ensuring their safety.

A background in military or law enforcement is highly desirable for billionaire bodyguards, as it equips them with the specialized skills and training necessary for effective protection. Some of these skills include:

Close-protection techniques
Defensive tactics
Firearms training
First aid
Situational awareness

These skills form the foundation of a bodyguard’s ability to respond promptly and proficiently to any potential threat.
An ideal security detail for a billionaire must have a wide range of skills, preparing them to tackle any potential scenario.

Seamless integration of security measures into a billionaire’s daily routine is essential for maintaining discretion and minimizing disruption. The security detail should be able to accommodate the client’s schedule, liaise effectively with other security personnel, and understand the cultural sensibilities of the client.
The Cost of Protection: Understanding the Investment

The cost of protecting billionaires includes bodyguard salaries, expenses for equipment and technology, along with travel and accommodation costs.
While bodyguard salaries can range from $70,000 to $100,000 annually, the cost of state-of-the-art security equipment and technology can be substantial.
Furthermore, when bodyguards accompany clients on trips or vacations, travel and accommodation expenses can add up quickly. However, the investment in protection is essential for maintaining the safety and peace of mind of billionaires in an increasingly unpredictable world.

The adage "you get what you pay for" rings true in personal protection, where the investment in a skilled and experienced bodyguard justifies the cost. With the right educational background, the head of a security team can earn more than $250,000 a year, especially if they work for a high-profile celebrity.
Maintaining a low profile is often the most effective security measure. By employing a smaller security team or opting for plainclothes bodyguards, billionaires can avoid drawing attention to themselves while still ensuring their security.
Female bodyguards can provide an additional layer of security while maintaining a more subtle presence. Often serving as personal assistants, these highly trained professionals can seamlessly blend into the client’s entourage, providing both protection and administrative support.

This method ensures a more discrete security presence without compromising the client’s safety.

Safeguarding valuable assets like mansions, vehicles, and yachts is a crucial aspect of a billionaire’s security plan. By installing surveillance systems and implementing physical barriers or access control measures, billionaires can protect their possessions from potential threats while maintaining a high level of security.
The industry must be forward thinking
As technology and security risks continue to evolve, the future of billionaire bodyguard services will see advances in surveillance technology, an increased focus on cybersecurity, and the development of new training and tactics in the industry.

Staying ahead of emerging threats and challenges allows billionaire bodyguards to continue delivering top-tier protection and discretion for their clients.

Advances in Surveillance Technology

The future of billionaire bodyguard services will likely incorporate cutting-edge surveillance technology, such as artificial intelligence, advanced camera systems, and facial recognition. These advanced tools will enhance bodyguards’ ability to monitor and protect their clients, safeguarding their safety in a world that is becoming more interconnected.

Cybersecurity and Online Threats

As the digital footprints of billionaires expand, cybersecurity and online threats will become increasingly important. Bodyguards must be prepared to address potential risks and vulnerabilities in the digital realm, ensuring the safety and privacy of their clients both online and offline.

The Evolution of Training and Tactics

To stay ahead of emerging risks and challenges, billionaire bodyguards must continually evolve their training and tactics. This includes the development of new techniques and strategies to address unique security challenges, as well as the ongoing refinement of existing skills and expertise.

Most billionaires have security guards due to the risks associated with their wealth and status. According to Business Insider, Mark Zuckerberg had an annual budget of $26.8 million for security and private jets.

Given the level of risk and desired security, the number of bodyguards necessary for a billionaire can vary, though most experts suggest three to four. Some entourages can have as many as eight executive protection agents.

Famous People Who Spend Big On Security

Famous people spend big when it comes to security. After all, what good is all of the money and fame if you have to constantly look over your shoulders?

Spending on security for a movie or music star can easily top $1 million, with some A-listers believed to be spending several million dollars per year. This is in addition to the security provided by sponsors at events. CEO's and other business leaders also spend huge sums on security.

Most famous people have converted their houses into literal fortresses. Security cameras, armed guards on patrol, and even finger print readers can be found at many homes. Some also have advanced “safe rooms” that can withstand chemical attacks and explosions. A well-made safe room can easily cost a million dollars or more.
The security industry itself is known for being tight-lipped and highly discrete. Security experts will rarely divulge details because doing so could ruin their reputation and career.
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, Musician and Socialite

Beyond toys and luxuries, however, Kim and Kanye are very serious about their personal security. Kanye reportedly spends a million dollars a year alone on his daughter, North West. The couple also has numerous armored cars, some of which are believed to cost a million dollars or more.

Whenever they appear in public, the couple is guarded by numerous security guards.

Bill Gates, Founder of Microsoft

Besides holding the title of the richest man in the world, Bill Gates is also a big spender when it comes to security.
His $150 million complex outside of Seattle Washington is reportedly equipped with some of the most advanced security measures in the world.
Whenever Mr. Gates travels in public, which is quite frequently, he is escorted by a large security team. After getting hit with a pie in 1999, Mr. Gates has been especially careful when it comes to his security. Trips to developing countries and other dangerous places make it even more difficult to provide Mr. Gates with adequate security.

Mike Dell, Founder of Dell Computers

Dell Corporation spends over $1.2 million dollars a year to make sure that its founder, Mike Dell, is safe and secure.
While CEO's and business people don't have as much to worry about in regards to crazed fans, they must still take a great deal of care when it comes to their security. CEO's could be targeted by terrorists, protesters, and other parties.

50 Cent, Music Star and Business Man

The famed rapper and business man looks after himself with a large security team. 50 Cent admitted that he spends about 20K a week for security at his mansion in Connecticut alone. If that seems like it's a bit much, it's important to remember that 50 Cent has been shot several times. Now, he's taking no chances when it comes to his life and property.

Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks

The CEO of Starbucks gets another perk in addition to his salary and bonuses. Starbucks spends nearly $600,000 a year on personal security for the famed CEO.

Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle

The Oracle CEO is protected by one of the most advanced and expensive security teams in the world. With over $40 billion dollars in wealth, Larry Ellison could afford to field a small army.
Oracle alone spends $1.7 million dollars on security spending for the head man. In addition, Mr. Ellison most likely spends some of his own money on security systems for his home and personal property. Given Mr. Ellison's high public profile and frequent appearances, the company is making a wise investment.

Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon

Amazon spends about $1.2 million dollars a year on protecting the company's founder. Interestingly, Mr. Bezos collects $1.6 million dollars a year in salary and other bonuses. Most of his wealth stems from his stock in Amazon, one of the world's largest online retailers.

Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Music Stars

Another star powered couple, Jay Z and Beyoncé take their security seriously. The couple has always been well-guarded but they have recently expanded their security spending by $4 million dollars to add staff and buy additional armored cars.
This increase in spending comes after a fan in Brazil jumped on stage and grabbed Beyoncé. Since then, the couple has re-evaluated their security spending.

What do the richest spend on security per year?

The rich and famous may have enviable lifestyles, but fame can come with its own hefty price tag. Their privacy is often compromised as well as them being extra vulnerable due to their fame and fortune. It’s no wonder then that they pay out quite a bit on their annual security.
Presidential security

Being President of the United States – for the time being – comes with a high security price tag, for instance, Congress allocated around $120 million to help keep Donald Trump and his family safe.
Part of this amount went into protecting the famous Trump Tower with the necessary security equipment as well as relevant personnel. Iron gates and armed security are also needed around the Trump Tower to provide robust security.
While we don’t have details on President-elect Joe Biden’s security budget, we do know that his security detail was suddenly and quickly added to when news began to project his win. It didn’t equate to a Secret Service-style detail, but given the tightness of the race we may see stronger protection in place than his predecessor. Although the White House is unlikely to have multiple fences surrounding its grounds.

Celebrity security

For celebrity A-listers, it’s not uncommon to have a surveillance room installed in lavish homes, to keep tabs on the property and outside area 24/7. Many also hire a number of guards to be stationed at the property which can cost up to $3 million a year.
A lot of the security costs for celebrities go towards keeping them protected at home and on their travels with private security guards. Like Kylier Jenner, a very wealthy media personality with her own successful cosmetic brand, who reportedly spends around a whopping $4.8 million a year on security, with personal guards monitoring CCTV, her home and protecting her on her travels.
Then there’s Britney Spears, where it was reported that around $450,000 a year went on bodyguards and other security measures.

Business security

When it comes to protecting a business, the billionaires have to go the extra mile. Take Jeff Bezos, for instance, who has reportedly had bulletproof panels installed in his Amazon office, costing around $180,000, out of his annual $1.6 million security budget that is.
Then Mark Zuckerberg, where $10 million a year goes on making sure the Facebook CEO is well protected. When a wealthy businessman like him in charge of one of the most dominant social media platforms often goes up before Congress, it’s no wonder a big budget goes towards keeping his business, residences and himself protected.
Luckily for the rest of us, providing security and protection for our businesses will not cost nearly as much, mainly due to us not needing 24/7 personal security guards or say, bulletproof panels and panic rooms.
For those of us who own businesses, have worked hard but aren’t making headlines routinely, we do well to invest in rooted security gates, CCTV and car park management systems. Thankfully though, businesses or properties don’t have to break the bank for their own security, as they can rely on intelligent access control systems to keep unauthorised personnel away from sites whilst also controlling staff’s entries and exits.

Residential and home security

Driveway security has advanced and become so much smarter with driveway gates that can be intricately crafted – adding elegant finishing touches to properties and homes.
Style and security all in one, they’re especially protective for residential areas, where luxury car collections are boasted, but also perfect for keeping gardens, homes, vehicles and belongings safer.

Secret Service spends at least $1.3m protecting Trump since he left office

The Secret Service spent $1.3m on hotel and transport costs protecting Donald Trump in the 12 months since he left office, newly released figures show.

The Daily Beast obtained documents showing the former president’s federal security detail spent $788,286 on hotels, and just under $550,000 on rental cars, flights and rail travel while travelling between his homes in New Jersey and Florida.

The amount is only a fraction of the total cost of protecting the former president, once wages and other expenses were included, and does not include details about the number of agents assigned to protect him, the Beast reported.

Also not included in the figure was the more than $40,000 that Mr Trump charged Secret Service agents at nearly $400 a night to stay at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, as revealed by the Washington Post last year.

While many details were redacted due to security and privacy concerns, the Beast reported some Secret Service agents were opting to stay at the Hilton, Marriott, and Homewood Suites when the ex-president was at his Palm Beach private club.

The released documents did not include details of any spending at Mar-a-Lago, or how much the Trump Organization is charging agents to fly on the former president’s private jet.

All former presidents are assigned a Secret Service security detail for the rest of their life.

In an unusual move before leaving office, Mr Trump gave six months extra free protection to all five of his adult children and three former senior officials including Steve Mnuchin and Mark Meadows at a cost of $1.7m.

Here’s How Much It Costs for the Secret Service to Protect Trump’s Family

In the days leading up to his departure, former President Trump requested Secret Service security protection to be extended for the next six months to Trump’s adult children, according to a Washington Post article.

Under federal law and under the Former Presidents Act, which was enacted to “maintain the dignity” of the Office of the President, former presidents are provided certain benefits, including Secret Service protection for themselves, their spouses and their minor children under the age of 16, according to the United States Secret Service website.

Under the law, only Trump, his wife and their 14-year-old son would then be entitled to the protection.

However, because of the former president’s unusual request, “the expensive, taxpayer-funded security will continue for his daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner; son Donald Trump Jr.; son Eric Trump and his wife, Lara Trump; and daughter Tiffany Trump,” according to The Washington Post.

The extended protection could cost taxpayers millions of dollars because of how many people are being protected and how often they travel, The Post says.

For example, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the Secret Service incurred about $396,000 in expenses, “primarily for temporary duty costs, while protecting Donald Trump, Jr. and Eric Trump during three international trips taken in January and February 2017.
Eric Trump traveled to Uruguay and the Dominican Republic and Donald Trump, Jr., Eric Trump, and their spouses traveled to the United Arab Emirates.”

The Post also reports that from 2017 to 2019, Trump family members took more than 4,500 trips requiring the Secret Service to travel alongside them, at a cost of tens of millions of taxpayer dollars.

In Trump’s first four trips to Mar-a-Lago in 2017, the Secret Service alone spent about $1.3 million on each visit, and for just one month in 2017, Trump’s travel costs totaled $13.6 million, including expenditures by the Secret Service, the Department of Defense and the cost of renting space and equipment, The Post notes, adding that Trump had made 22 more trips to Mar-a-Lago since then, at a cost of an additional $28 million if the Secret Service’s costs remained constant.

In 2017, the Secret Service asked Congress for an additional $60 million for its 2018 budget to cover presidential travel, according to The Post.

Secret Service protection for Donald Trump is different than for other ex-presidents

The legal woes of Donald Trump have cast a new light on the role of those federal agents assigned to protect him and other former presidents for the rest of their lives: the U.S. Secret Service.

There they were, accompanying the 45th president as he made his way into a Manhattan courthouse earlier this month to be fingerprinted and arraigned on 34 felony counts.

Meanwhile, current and former officers assigned to Trump are part of another investigation of the former president, reportedly having to testify at a Washington, D.C., grand jury as part of the investigation into classified documents seized at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate.

All this, along with other potential cases, including his involvement with the Jan. 6 riots, and accusations of 2020 election interference in Georgia, at least raise the possibility that Trump could be convicted, and perhaps, incarcerated.

Although the U.S. Secret Service was founded in 1865 — created to combat counterfeiting of U.S. currency after the Civil War, according to the Secret Service website — it began protecting presidents in 1901 after the assassination of president William McKinley in Buffalo, N.Y.

The protection for sitting presidents, which remains today and can't be rejected, also extends to their spouses and immediate family

But in 1958, the Former Presidents Act was passed which, beginning 1965, would provide for a lifetime of protection for former presidents, their spouses and their children, up to the age of 15. (Protection of a spouse would terminate in the event of remarriage).

Even though the adult children of presidents are supposed to lose their protective detail when the president leaves office, both Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have signed directives authorizing the Secret Service to provide a period of extended protection for their children, according to CBS News.

It's the responsibility of the Secret Service to protect former presidents at all times, meaning, "they will oversee and directly co-ordinate all levels of security for wherever [they] go," said Tim Miller, a former Secret Service agent.

But the level of security is "all based on whatever the Secret Service, through its intelligence and co-ordination capabilities, determines is appropriate for the protecting," said Miller.

"Even a former president could be a goal of terrorist," said Ronald Kessler, author of In the President's Secret Service: Behind the Scenes With Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect.

Kessler said that when George W. Bush left office, the threat level was such that he had around 75 officers protecting him and his wife Laura to cover shifts around the clock.
"And then, of course, it's protection 24 hours a day. So you need three shifts and days off. And so that adds up in terms of agents."
"If he's going to go to a restaurant, they will go there first and check on the employees and check on their backgrounds to see if anybody has convictions for anything violent," Kessler said. "Let's say they're going to a convention or something like that, they'll definitely check the convention hall. They'll have bomb sniffing dogs go around."

How does protection for Trump differ from other former presidents?

Trump, says Miller, has been an outlier in the history of the Secret Service because not only is he a former president, but a current candidate for president. (Presidential candidates are also afforded protection).
"[That] would add some different dynamics because he'll be going from site to site to site to site," he said.

"You look at George W. Bush, he went to the ranch, his dad went to Kennebunkport, and they lived relatively obscure lives from that point," Miller said. "That's not the case with former president Trump."

As for their role when Trump was being indicted, "the service was likely with him every step of the way," Miller said.
"You do not allow anyone to assume the [protection] of the Secret Service protectee other than the Secret Service."

"If he went to the jail, they would definitely be outside the cellblock guarding him," Kessler said. "Because otherwise it's useless. It's not going to do any good being out in the corridor or somewhere else."

"Simply, the law mandates it and the Secret Service would have to provide protection, even in jail, as only the protectee may end it," he wrote.

But Miller said that would be "exceptionally problematic" for the Secret Service and create a whole lot of challenges.

Trump's indictment won't end his Secret Service protection -- he'd have to decline it: ANALYSIS

Former President Donald Trump’s indictment in New York is historic: never before has a former president been indicted for an alleged crime.

Now Trump’s indictment by a grand jury in Manhattan on 34 felonies pertaining to an alleged scheme to catch and kill disparaging stories ahead of the 2016 election has opened up many questions including the role and scope of Secret Service protection, including whether it would extend to him if he were convicted and incarcerated.

Protection of the president by the Secret Service began in 1901 after three presidents -- Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield and William McKinley -- were assassinated.

Former presidents began receiving protection around 1958 under the Former Presidents Act, which mandated lifetime protection of former presidents of the United States who have not been removed from office solely pursuant to Article II of the Constitution.
The basis of Secret Service protection is “threat-based” and most current and former presidents receive thousands of threats while in and outside of office.

Under 18 USC 3056, the United States Secret Service is mandated by federal law to provide protection for the sitting president and their family, the vice president and their family, as well as a list of others including former president’s and first ladies and their children under 16 “for their lifetimes, except that protection of a spouse shall terminate in the event of remarriage.”

Although the law is clear, some have conflated the Secret Service protective mission with some type of an allegiance to an individual. Others have misinterpreted that steps the Secret Service may take to implement their protective methodology as making requests on behalf of a protected person. Neither is the Secret Service's role and the law and mission are clear -- to provide protection as a singular focus.

On Jan. 10, 2013, President Barack Obama signed the Former Presidents Protection Act of 2012 which reinstated lifetime Secret Service protection for former President George W. Bush, who had a myriad of terrorist threats aimed at him post 9/11. Obama, who had ordered the mission against Osama Bin Laden, had also received threats. They and all subsequent presidents would get lifetime protection.

By law, only the sitting president, vice president, president-elect and vice president-elect cannot decline protection.

As such, the question about how protection would work if a former President were to go to jail has a clear answer.

Simply, the law mandates it and the Secret Service would have to provide protection, even in jail, as only the protectee may end it.

Congress could change the law but, historically, the only ex-president with Secret Service protection to ever end it was former President Nixon, who left the White House in 1974 and ended his protection in 1985.

Why it costs $36m to keep Zuckerberg safe but 'only' $2m for Bezos

The cost of keeping Mark Zuckerberg safe keeps going up for Meta Platforms, far outstripping what similar technology companies with high-profile executives are spending.

The social media giant, previously known as Facebook, spent more than $US15.2 million ($20.5 million) last year for expenses related to protecting its chief executive at his homes and during personal travel, according to a recent regulatory filing.
That does not include another $US10 million given to Mr Zuckerberg as a pretax allowance for his family’s security as well as $US1.6 million for use of a private aircraft for personal travel.

In total, the company footed a security bill of $US26.8 million ($36.1 million) for Mr Zuckerberg and his family last year, a 6 per cent increase from 2020.

The filing attributed the higher costs to regular personal travel, protocols related to COVID-19 and market increases for security personnel.
The arrangements comprise almost all of his compensation as he takes a $US1 annual salary and doesn’t receive a bonus or equity awards.

Mr Zuckerberg’s security costs in 2021 are many times those of peers where data is publicly available. Amazon, for example, spent $US1.6 million protecting Jeff Bezos last year, while Tesla doesn’t disclose any security costs associated with chief executive Elon Musk.

Mr Zuckerberg is “synonymous” with Meta amid increased media, legislative and regulatory attention, according to the filing, which said, “negative sentiment regarding our company is directly associated with, and often transferred to, Mr Zuckerberg”.

In the past year, the company has come under scrutiny over the release of internal documents by whistleblower Frances Haugen that suggests Facebook prioritises profit over content moderation.

Meta also pays for security for other top leaders, including almost $US9 million in 2021 to protect chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg. That is not including $US2.3 million for Ms Sandberg’s use of private aircraft for personal travel.
Starting in 2022, the company will also cover Zuckerberg’s personal travel on an aircraft owned by him and operated by a charter company.
“For travel by Mr Zuckerberg on the aircraft owned by Mr Zuckerberg, we pay an amount commensurate with market rates.”

Meta spent $43 million on Mark Zuckerberg's personal security in 3 years: Report

Meta spent $43 million on Mark Zuckerberg's personal security in the past three years. This includes the cost of bodyguards, security cameras, and other security measures, according to a report by The New York Post.

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), the family foundation of Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, has given millions of dollars to organizations that support the 'defund the police' movement.

The 'defund the police' movement is a movement to reduce funding for police departments and invest in other social services.

The movement argues that police departments are often overfunded and that the money could be better spent on things like education, healthcare, and housing.
According to a report by investigative reporter Lee Fang, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) has donated $3 million to PolicyLink since 2020. PolicyLink is an organization that works to advance racial and economic equity.

DefundPolice.org is a website that was created by PolicyLink to provide resources for people who are interested in divesting from policing.

The anti-police group Solidaire describes itself as a "place for advocates or organizers who are looking for resources to divest from policing for building safer communities." The group has received $2.5 million from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), NYP report said.
According to a filing by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) in February 2023, the company increased its spending on Mark Zuckerberg's personal security by $4 million. This means that Zuckerberg's personal security costs $14 million in 2023, up from $10 million in previous years.

The filing states that the increase in spending is due to Zuckerberg's "position and importance to Meta." Zuckerberg is the CEO of Meta, which is the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. He is one of the most powerful people in the world, and he is a target for both criminals and political activists.
Mark Zuckerberg has requested to only receive $1 in annual salary without any bonus payments, equity awards, or any other monetary compensation, according to a report by The New York Times.

Some people have criticized Zuckerberg for spending so much money on his own security while also donating money to organizations that are working to "undermine the police."

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are spending $2 million on security detail for their surrogate

Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West are having a third baby via surrogacy and it seems no expense is being spared when it comes to looking after the woman carrying their child.

According to The Sun, the pair have hired round-the-clock security to guard their surrogate, who they have also moved to a gated and secure home in LA.

“There are six security guards on rotation duties, for nine months,” a source told The Sun, also confirming the woman also has her own driver to ensure her safety outside of the home.
“It's a nice house, actually, split level, and Kanye has cameras put in everywhere in the house and outside too for safety and security - these are state of the art,” the source says of the surrogate’s new home, which is reportedly in “a nondescript suburb in a middle-class neighbourhood.”

The total cost for the security is coming in at USD$2 million.
Baby number three, who will join four-year-old North and one-year-old Saint, is due in January 2018.

Kim Kardashian 'pays for increased security at her children's private school'

Kim Kardashian has reportedly paid for increased security at her children's private school after her ex-husband Kanye West named the school on social media.

According to TMZ, the school has recently hired extra security as a precaution - with Kim footing the bill.

A source said that officials at the school do not believe Kanye is a threat but are concerned that someone could see his messages and show up on campus.

Kim and Kanye, who split up in 2021 after almost seven years of marriage, are parents to North, nine, Saint, six, Chicago, four, and Psalm, three.

Kim Kardashian, Kanye West Have 24/7 Security in Garage

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West take security seriously — so seriously that they have a station in their garage that’s manned 24/7.

In Vogue‘s May cover story, writer Jonathan Van Meter visits the Kardashian-West estate in Hidden Hills, California, and reports on some surprising details about the couple’s $60 million home.

“I had to pass through layers of Pentagon-level security and hesitated at their forbidding front door, which looks like it might be lowered over a moat, before deciding to walk around the side and enter through the garage like a normal person,” Van Meter writes of the entrance to their massive abode.

In the garage, he says, there is a “security pod, manned 24 hours a day” along with a wall of shelves to hold boxes of Adidas Yeezy sneakers and another wall with black suitcases.

Following Kardashian’s infamous robbery in Paris in 2017, a source told PEOPLE that she and West, 41, made some lifestyle changes regarding their safety — one of which included getting round-the-clock security guards for her entire family.

“Security and privacy issues have changed not only for her but for the whole family,” a source close to the family told PEOPLE at the time. “They have security guards most of the time when they go out.”
Inside her house, Kardashian, 38, has a “staff kitchen” and a “show kitchen” (top), according to Van Meter. The staff kitchen, he says, is where she spends the most time with her husband and kids — daughters North, 5, and Chicago, 1, and son Saint, 3. (The pair are expecting their fourth child via surrogate in May.)

Beyoncé and Jay-Z Reportedly Building Security Complex At Bel Air Home

Beyoncé and Jay-Z are taking security to a whole new level at their palatial Bel Air mansion.

The couple dropped a record $88 million on the house last summer—and the pricey abode wasn’t even ready for an immediate move-in.
It’s not that this property, which is composed of six separate structures, is a fixer-upper.
Instead, the couple has decided to seriously beef up the security at the 30,000-square-foot home.

They’ve been putting finishing touches on the premises since at least January, but now Beyoncé and Jay-Z are determined to turn the estate into an actual fortress.

They’ve applied for building permits to add living quarters and rooms for security guards, per documents obtained by TMZ, in addition to a 10-car carport and a two-story, two-car garage.

The extra security lodgings will be attached to the two-story garage and will face the front of the property. The carport will face the back road into the property, so that not an inch of the estate is left unattended at any time. Beyoncé and Jay-Z apparently want all of this completed before they embark on their On The Run 2 tour, which begins on June 6.

When the couple bought the home from developer Dean McKillen, it was already fitted with bulletproof windows and a huge metal gate.

But Beyoncé and Jay-Z are clearly going for the 24/7-type of protection.
The abode, which was designed by architect Paul McClean, also has über luxurious aspects like a full spa with a hot tub, sauna and steam room, as well a recording studio, basketball court and no less than four outdoor pools.
It’s understandable that the couple is concerned about potential break-ins and threats, as not only do they have three young children (Blue Ivy and twins Rumi and Sir), but there have been a number of burglaries at celebrity homes across Los Angeles over the past year.
Emmy Rossum and Nicki Minaj‘s homes were broken into, and Kendall Jenner ended up selling her West Hollywood home after repeated security issues.

And, of course, there was the recent incident at Taylor Swift’s Beverly Hills mansion, where a man tried to climb over a seven-foot-tall wall. Perhaps the Carters should invest in some taller barriers?

We wonder if they’ll be adding similar safety measures to their new Hamptons home.

Last summer, Beyoncé and Jay-Z paid $25.9 million for a 12,000-square-foot retreat on Georgica Pond, which already went through some very unique renovations. The entire house was rotated 90 degrees so that the living room would face west, over Georgica Pond, for a more picturesque view.

Beyoncé Ordered An Entire Security Team To Drop Blue Ivy Off At Preschool And It Cost A Fortune

Despite the lack of interest in the media, BeyonceÌ and Jay-Z are always thrust into the spotlight, especially given their fame and fortune.
However, given such a high profile, the couple is very cautious when it comes to security measures.

In the following, we'll take a look at the insane amount the couple has spent on security, especially when it comes to Blue Ivy. In addition, we'll identify situations in which the couple caused a bit of chaos, once again, in large part thanks to their massive security team.

Given that Jay-Z has a net worth in the billions, while BeyonceÌ herself isn't too far away at $500 million, the couple is not concerned when it comes to certain costs.

That was the case when hiring a nanny, and the same holds true for how they spend on security.

According to Haute Living, back in 2013, Jay-Z spent an outrageous amount on revamping his entire security team, especially since Blue Ivy had entered the picture.

The estimated amount invested was said to be in the ballpark of $4 million.
“Jay hired five new personal security guards, all former intelligent agents, to accompany the five guards who already travel with BeyonceÌ when she travels,” a source tells TheFIX.
“He’s freaked out after what happened on the weekend,” added the insider, “and believes he’ll only feel relaxed if he knows he’s covered all bases for BeyonceÌ and Blue.”

The couple went overboard during their 2014 tour, in which Blue Ivy was also a part of. It is said the couple had 500 security staff members around.

"Beyoncé and Jay-Z have called in 500 security staff to protect them and their daughter Blue Ivy during their upcoming 'On The Run' world tour," Evening Standard reported.

The Blue Ivy protection plan went even further and that included once she was dropped off at pre-school…
At Three Years Old, Blue Ivy Already Had Two Cars And Three Bodyguards Drop Her Off At Pre-School

That's right, according to In Touch Weekly, Blue Ivy had entire security team around her upon the arrival at her pre-school.
“A security motorcade drops her off and picks her up from school,” an insider at Blue’s West Hollywood preschool tells ‘In Touch.’ “There are two cars and three bodyguards," the report stated.

As one might expect, the amount of commotion did not sit well with the other parents, especially given that the team of security was causing traffic jams in front of the school.

It is said that other celebrity kids also attended the same school, but it took one car to drop them off, not an entire team. “Beyoncé and Jay Z have made things a huge hassle,” says the insider, adding, “Other celebrity kids get dropped off by one driver, not an entire staff," the In Touch Weekly source added.
It was quite the hassle though in truth, it wasn't the first time Blue Ivy and her parents got media attention for disrupting public areas.

It seems like the moment she was born at Lenox Hill Hospital in NYC, Blue Ivy was causing a ruckus!

We're only kidding but in truth, Us Magazine did reveal that the hospital was quite lively during her birth. Once again, the security team was said to have taken up lots of space.
"First-time parents BeyonceÌ, 30, and Jay-Z, 42, did require a 10-man security team during their hospital stay, but it didn't interfere with other new parents and visitors having access to the facilities."

There were further rumors that the birth of Blue Ivy disrupted the care of other patients, however, this was deemed as untrue by the hospital.
"The hospital denied that the birth of Blue Ivy disrupted other patients' care, although one new dad, Neil Coulon, told the New York Daily News he was stopped three times "from entering or exiting the NICU [neonatal intensive care unit]… just because they wanted to use the hallway."

Amazon Spent Big Money on Security for CEO Jeff Bezos Last Year

Amazon spent $1.6 million on security for CEO Jeff Bezos last year, accounting for nearly all of his compensation.

The money went to providing security for Bezos in addition to what is available at Amazon facilities, such as for business travel, according to a filing by Amazon with the Securities & Exchange Commission on Wednesday.
In all, Bezos collected $1.68 million in compensation last year. Bezos earned only $81,840 in salary for the year and no stock options.

Bezos is Amazon’s largest shareholder and is listed by Bloomberg as the world’s second richest person, with a net worth of approximately $75.6 billion.

Amazon spent a similar amount for Bezos’ security in 2015. The company also said that in light of his low salary, the security expenses in 2016 were reasonable.

For comparison, Oracle spent $1.5 million for founder and chairman Larry Ellison in 2015, or second among all executives, according to Equilar.Apple spent just over $200,000 in 2015 for CEO Tim Cook.

Security Concerns Of The Super-Rich
Worried about someone hacking into your offshore bank account? Kidnapping you and holding you for ransom because of your high net worth? Breaking into your Caribbean villa while you're working from lower Manhattan?

Those aren't concerns for most of us, but for the extremely wealthy they could be. Trite as it may seem, the rich really are different from you and me. Especially when it comes to security.

Steve Atkiss, a principal at Command Consulting Group, a security and intelligence advisory firm in Washington, D.C., can shed some light on the types of security issues billionaires have. His company's clients include "several" very high net worth individuals across a broad range of sectors, including finance, manufacturing, technology and government. (He can't name them.) He also used to coordinate security at the White House and served as chief of staff at U.S. Customs & Border Protection--so he knows his stuff.
What do the wealthy worry about when it comes to security? "It's obviously different for each individual," Atkiss says. Factors include where a client lives, frequency of travel, number of homes or offices, how well known he or she is, and how much money they want to spend on security. But there a few common areas where his firm has provided advisory services for the rich:

Facility design--This includes alarm systems, closed-circuit television, system controls and other devices that can show when people are coming and going from a particular property. Atkiss says it involves smart devices, the kind that can track an individual's speed of entry or tell when individuals leave a room--not a $20-per-hour security guard looking at a wall of TVs. It also extends to security for private planes and mega-yachts.
Safe rooms and panic rooms--Most people have to resort to preparing for chemical, biological or nuclear attack by stacking up on water, duct tape and flashlight batteries. The very rich can afford to build shelters for both short- and long-term stays. Safe rooms can be built to escape individual intruders or mass casualty attacks, such as a dirty bomb.
Counter-intelligence--When the President of the United States travels, U.S. security officials sweep of the property to make sure he's not being covertly watched or listened to. Business leaders who are involved in sensitive international negotiations sometimes have similar needs. "A lot of them don't recognize the ease with which [information] can be gathered and the willingness of people to do that," says Atkiss.
Emergency evacuation--No one wants to be dependent on congested public infrastructure for support in the event of a catastrophic event, so putting a plan in place to leave the area as soon as possible is often a top priority.

Another challenge is helping wealthy individuals maintain a low profile. Some people also don't want to be seen with groups of bodyguards, but they still need to maintain a certain level of security.

Command Consulting Group doesn't provide the actual manpower to solve these problems. Instead, they work with clients to develop a security plan."The first thing we do is lay out the full range of probable threats," he says. They then estimate the probability of those threats and come up with a plan to mitigate them.
Something to think about once you make your first few hundred million.

Jake Tran

Creator

I make documentaries on money, power, and crime.

Learn the most practical way to start making money online:

Work-from-home masterclass

Subscribe for more documentaries:

📺 Subscribe!

Join the Inbox Notification Squad

✉ Join Now!