AI firms pay ex-spies up to 500,000 dollars

AI companies are hiring former spies to guard their secrets, Reuters reported on the 12th of November 2026. The news agency said the Nvidia scandal has put the risk of spying in the spotlight.

Most such jobs at OpenAI, Anthropic and Nvidia pay 200,000 to about 500,000 dollars a year, job tracker Revelio Labs told Reuters.

Big names on board

OpenAI put Paul Nakasone, who once ran the US National Security Agency, on its board in June 2024, Reuters said. It is now hiring a security investigator.

Anthropic added David Cohen, a former deputy head of the CIA, to an advisory group in August 2025. Its job ad calls the firm a top target for foreign states and skilled criminals.

Why firms want them

Former CIA officer Catherine Marinis-Yaqub said firms want experts who can spot staff who steal secrets. Some threats look like chance meetings at gyms or coffee shops, she told Reuters.

OpenAI fired an engineer in October after finding a hidden recording device in a meeting room, Reuters reported. The engineer pleaded not guilty on the 6th of November.

Below we break down the pay

The top of the usual range is 2.5 times the bottom, by our arithmetic. Top security chiefs can earn 1 million to 4 million dollars a year with stock, a recruiter told Reuters.

So the best paid chiefs can earn 8 times the top of the usual range.

What is confirmed and what is not

The pay figures come from Revelio Labs and a recruiter, via Reuters. Nvidia has said it does not believe state or company secrets were harmed.

China has rejected the spy claims, Reuters reported.

Key facts

Reuters reported the hiring trend on the 12th of November 2026.

Most such roles pay 200,000 to 500,000 dollars a year.

OpenAI, Anthropic and Nvidia have posted such jobs.

Top security chiefs can earn up to 4 million dollars.