The Personal Security Regimes of Billionaires
Have you ever heard of Zhuang Kuilong? Neither have I. Yet, he is allegedly a billionaire or former one who appeared on the bottom of the Forbes 2022 rich list. If you try to Google him in English, you’ll find it’s a challenge to find any relevant information. This leads us to the question: What kind of personal security arrangements do billionaires tend to have?
Common Security Measures for Billionaires
While Zhuang Kuilong is not widely known, there are many billionaires who are. Their extensive and sophisticated security arrangements can almost be as extreme as those of some world leaders. It’s important to note that IT security is a critical aspect of any business, and most wealthy individuals need to invest in IT security programs to protect their businesses.
On a personal level, any individual who gains even a modicum of fame on social media becomes a target for online scams. While there aren’t many kidnapping plots in real life, the threat is very real. I get 20 scam emails a day, and in some dangerous countries, financial transparency has led to kidnapping plots based on a person's wealth.
Examples of Billionaire Security Arrangements
The level of security measures for billionaires can vary widely. For instance, Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, has a budget entirely dedicated to his personal security. According to reports, in 2018, he used approximately $13 million on his personal security.
Elon Musk, another prominent high net worth individual, has not disclosed information about how much he spends on security. What is known, however, is his strong emphasis on privacy, which is why he changes his phone every year.
Warren Buffett, one of the most well-known figures for having traditional values, has had the same bodyguard, Dan Clark, for 20 years. Clark, who now runs a security company that employs 150 people, tells an interview that in 2007 he had to disarm a person who was attempting to kill Buffett.
Conclusion
Billionaires' personal security arrangements are a mix of necessity and luxury. Whether it is IT security, physical protection, or extreme measures like those of world leaders, the goal is to ensure the safety and privacy of these high net worth individuals. As their visibility increases, so does the need for robust security measures to counter the threats they face.
References
For further reading, you might consider exploring:
How Mark Zuckerberg manages his personal security. Elon Musk's privacy concerns and security measures. Religious or traditional values and their impact on security arrangements. Financial transparency and its implications.