Net Worth: | $500,000 Thousand |
---|---|
Age: | 40 |
Born: | Jun 21, 1983 |
Gender: | male |
Height: | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) |
Country of Origin: | United States of America |
Source of Wealth: | Former Computer Intelligence Consultant |
Last Updated: | 2023 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Edward Snowden is an American computer security consultant and whistleblower known for leaking classified information from the National Security Agency (NSA) in 2013. He is a former government computer intelligence consultant who revealed mass global surveillance programs.
Snowden’s net worth is estimated to be $500,000.
Edward Snowden’s Net Worth, Career, and Success Story (2023 Update)
Early Life
Edward Snowden was born on June 21, 1983, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. His parents, Lonnie and Elizabeth, had government careers, with his father serving in the U.S. Coast Guard and his mother working as a clerk in the U.S. District Court. Snowden’s older sister, Jessica, also worked for the federal government.
He grew up in Fort Meade, Maryland, and after missing school due to illness, he passed his GED test and attended Anne Arundel Community College. Although he did not complete his online master’s program with the University of Liverpool, Snowden displayed exceptional intelligence.
Career Beginnings
With a desire to help the oppressed, Snowden joined the U.S. Army in 2004 but was discharged due to injury. He then worked as a security guard at the University of Maryland’s Center for Advanced Study of Language, sponsored by the NSA. In 2006, Snowden accepted a position at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where he became known for his computer skills.
He was later stationed in Geneva, Switzerland, and played a role in maintaining computer network security. Snowden resigned from the CIA in 2009.
NSA Involvement
After leaving the CIA, Snowden worked as a contractor for Dell at an NSA facility in Japan. He instructed government officials and military officers on network security. Snowden eventually became a cyber-counterintelligence expert and worked at Dell for four years.
In 2013, he witnessed Director of National Intelligence James Clapper lying under oath to Congress and decided to become a whistleblower.
Leaking of Classified Information
In 2013, Snowden leaked thousands of classified documents to various international media outlets, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Guardian, Der Spiegel, and Le Monde. These documents exposed the NSA’s mass surveillance programs, including tracking cell phones and harvesting telecommunications data.
Snowden was charged with three felonies, including theft of government property and violating the Espionage Act of 1917.
International Asylum
After leaking the classified documents, Snowden fled to Hong Kong and later sought asylum in Russia. He was granted temporary asylum, which was later extended to a three-year residency permit. In 2020, Snowden received permanent residency in Russia. Despite his fugitive status, he has made media appearances and earned income from digital speaking engagements.
Personal Life
In 2017, Snowden secretly married Lindsay Mills, a blogger and acrobat who joined him in Russia. They had been dating since 2009. The couple welcomed a son in December 2020.
Summary
Edward Snowden, a former government computer intelligence consultant, is known for leaking classified information from the NSA in 2013. He exposed the agency’s mass surveillance programs and faced charges from the U.S. Department of Justice. Currently residing in Russia, Snowden has a net worth of $500,000.