Did Edward Snowden really dupe the National Security Agency (NSA) and use a Rubik’s cube as part of his tradecraft to smuggle secrets out of the secure building?

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The film Snowden (2016) features a Rubik's cube

In the 2016 movie Snowden, the NSA contractor hides a jump drive containing secret files inside a Rubik's cube, then talks his way past security to let the cube pass through the detectors without notice.
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Snowden and Oliver Stone

Neither Snowden nor director Oliver Stone was giving away the secret when they discussed the Rubik's cube scene at Comic-Con.

“First of all, I just wanted to say that none of us know,” Stone said during the Q&A. “[Snowden's] the only one who knows and one day he may reveal it. And number two, it was his idea. It was a suggestion that we responded to and ran with.”

Stone then turned to Snowden, who was addressing Comic-Con on a screen from his base in Russia.

“It was a good idea, thank you,” Stone said. 

Five seconds later, as Stone's words reached Moscow, Snowden laughed.

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DIY spy cube

Much more than just a brain trainer, a Rubik's cube can be used as a subtle spy device.

If you want to find out how to unlock the potential of a Rubik's cube, there are only a few steps to follow.

It’s easy to hide multiple small objects in certain cubes. The Dayan ZhanChi speed cube, for example, is excellent for solving and hiding things.
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Secret Rubik's storage holder

It is possible to take Dayan ZhanChi cuboids in and out of place in seconds, as they are easily pulled away. Once done, open the cube down the middle. It may be easier to pry open by gently sliding a thin knife along the center of the plastic.

Place secret items within and bring the two halves of the cuboid back together, then click the cuboids in place.

If the intention is to solve the Rubik's cube after modifying it, tape or glue items to the inside of the cuboid to avoid rattling sounds.