Elon Musk’s security team has a unique codename for him: “Voyager,” a nod to his reputation as an explorer and innovator, according to an investigation by The New York Times. And “Voyager” doesn’t travel lightly—he’s often accompanied by up to 20 security guards, some of whom are armed, as well as a medical professional.
Elon Musk’s Code Name
Given Musk’s net worth, which Bloomberg places at over $250 billion, the extensive security is not surprising. With such high wealth and visibility, he faces real security risks.
As per reports, Musk once enjoyed moving freely without full-time protection, he began ramping up his security team around 2014. His security expenses have reportedly reached six figures in a single month, with one month in 2016 totaling over $163,000. Over time, these security measures have expanded alongside Musk’s fortune and public exposure.
Musk has publicly discussed his security concerns, revealing at Tesla’s 2023 shareholder meeting that he faced threats from “two homicidal maniacs” in recent months.
Reports in 2022 mentioned Musk bought a new residence after his previous address was disclosed and outfitted it with round-the-clock security. Musk also attempted to remove an X (formerly Twitter) account that tracked his private jet.
Elon Musk’s Security
In recent filings, Tesla reported spending $2.4 million on Musk’s security in 2023 and an additional $500,000 through February 2024, which is only part of his overall security expenditure.
Musk’s security extends even to the restroom and extends to his family as well—his father, Errol Musk, stated that his South African home has been upgraded with surveillance cameras, electric fences, and guards.
Musk isn’t alone among tech leaders in investing heavily in personal security. Meta spent nearly $24 million on security for Mark Zuckerberg in 2023, while Apple dedicated over $820,000 for Tim Cook’s security and $1.6 million for his travel expenses.
Security at Tesla has also intensified, partly due to a threat made against former CFO Zachary Kirkhorn, who reportedly received a death threat demanding $300,000 in bitcoin.
