Business · Companies · 43 mins ago
AI firms hire former intelligence officers to guard against espionage
AI and chip firms are hiring former intelligence officers to protect against espionage and other security threats.
The concern has drawn attention after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigned on Nov.
12, following reports of two extramarital affairs, one allegedly involving a Chinese spy.
Nvidia CFO Colette Kress is interim CEO, and the board will consider internal and external candidates for a permanent replacement.
Companies including OpenAI, Anthropic and Nvidia have advertised roles focused on counter-intelligence and threat detection.
Security teams watch for stolen trade secrets and coercion, including attempts to approach or blackmail executives.
The hiring reflects growing demand for specialists as AI firms and chip companies become valuable targets, while experienced candidates are in short supply.
Nvidia's board will choose a permanent CEO, while companies continue building their security teams.
AI and technology firms are hiring former intelligence officers to protect against espionage and other security threats.
Counter-intelligence roles have become more visible at frontier AI firms in the last couple of years, according to hiring-trends tracker Revelio Labs.
Companies seek experts to identify threats including theft of trade secrets, blackmail and attempts to exploit vulnerabilities through executives.
Many advertised salaries range from US$200,000 to around US$500,000, while some top corporate security chiefs can earn US$1 million to US$4 million a year.
OpenAI and Anthropic have added former US intelligence officials to advisory or governance roles and are seeking security specialists.
- Who
- AI and technology companies, including OpenAI, Anthropic and Nvidia, are hiring former intelligence officers and security specialists.
- What
- Firms are increasing counter-intelligence and security hiring to protect against espionage and related threats.
- When
- More explicit roles have been posted in the last couple of years.
- Where
- At AI and technology companies; ASML is also advertising for an intelligence officer based in Taiwan.
- Why
- To identify threats such as trade-secret theft, espionage, blackmail and attempts to exploit vulnerabilities.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
OpenAI appointed former National Security Agency director Paul Nakasone to its board and safety and security committee.
Anthropic launched its national security advisory council.
Frontier AI firms including OpenAI, Anthropic and Nvidia posted more explicit counter-intelligence roles.
- Typical advertised salaries
- US$200,000 to around US$500,000
- Top corporate security chiefs’ earnings
- US$1 million to US$4 million a year, depending on stock awards
- OpenAI board appointment
- Paul Nakasone joined in June 2024
- Anthropic advisory council
- Launched in August 2025
- ASML intelligence officer role
- Based in Taiwan; applicants need at least 10 years of counter-intelligence experience
5 sources
What people are saying
The AI firms have snapped up a lot of security talent
Demand outstrips the supply of people with relevant experience
They’re just becoming more aware of it. They still have a long way to go