Business · Companies · 5 hrs ago
AI companies hire counterintelligence staff to protect trade secrets
AI companies are expanding counterintelligence teams as concerns about industrial espionage grow.
OpenAI, Anthropic and Nvidia have hired people with security and intelligence experience in recent years.
Many roles pay between $200,000 and $500,000, according to workforce data.
Anthropic hired 33 people for counterintelligence functions this year, while OpenAI’s hiring rose to 22, and Nvidia hired 16.
The aim is to protect sensitive technology and trade secrets as AI becomes a national security concern.
Security experts say executives can be targeted through personal or business relationships, and may not recognize warning signs.
OpenAI, Anthropic and ASML are seeking more security staff, including people with counterintelligence or intelligence experience.
AI companies including OpenAI, Anthropic and Nvidia are hiring counterintelligence staff to protect trade secrets.
Most salaries for these roles range from $200,000 to $500,000, according to Revelio Labs data.
Anthropic hired 33 people for counterintelligence functions so far in 2026, up from 14 in 2025 and nine in 2024.
OpenAI’s counterintelligence hiring rose to 22 in 2026 from nine in 2025.
Recent espionage-related allegations involving Nvidia and an OpenAI engineer have underscored concerns about protecting sensitive information.
- Who
- AI companies including OpenAI, Anthropic and Nvidia are hiring counterintelligence staff.
- What
- The companies are recruiting people to help protect trade secrets and address espionage risks.
- When
- In recent years, with hiring figures reported for 2024, 2025 and 2026.
- Where
- The companies include U.S.-based AI firms; the article also mentions an ASML intelligence role based in Taiwan.
- Why
- AI is considered a matter of national security, and companies face concerns about industrial espionage and protecting trade secrets.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Anthropic hired nine employees for counterintelligence functions.
Anthropic hired 14 employees for counterintelligence functions and appointed David Cohen and Dave Luber to its national security advisory council.
OpenAI hired nine people for counterintelligence functions.
Anthropic hired 33 employees for counterintelligence functions so far that year, while OpenAI hired 22.
- Anthropic hires in 2026
- 33 employees for counterintelligence functions so far this year
- Anthropic hires in 2025
- 14 employees for counterintelligence functions
- Anthropic hires in 2024
- 9 employees for counterintelligence functions
- OpenAI hires in 2026
- 22 counterintelligence hires
- Nvidia hires in 2026
- 16 counterintelligence hires
- Typical salary range
- $200,000 to $500,000
What people are saying
The AI firms have snapped up a lot of security talent
Demand outstrips the supply of people with relevant experience
By the time a security professional raises concerns, the executive may already be emotionally invested and unwilling to listen