Ledger confirms hidden chip in crypto wallet amid $92M theft claims
Ledger has confirmed that a customer's cryptocurrency hardware wallet contained an unauthorized hardware implant following reports of significant theft. The company is investigating the incident alongside a reseller in Southeast Asia and has advised users to exercise caution.
Why it matters
This incident raises serious concerns about supply chain security in the cryptocurrency hardware market and the potential for physical tampering to compromise digital assets.
Ledger has confirmed finding an unauthorized hardware implant inside one customer's cryptocurrency wallet during its October 10 investigation into reported thefts involving Southeast Asian reseller CryptoBilis, as blockchain researchers estimate suspected losses exceeding $86 million. Ledger confirmed an unauthorized hardware implant inside one affected customer's device during its CryptoBilis investigation. CryptoBilis suspended sales of all hardware wallets while Ledger investigates reported losses involving Asian customers. Ledger advised customers with CryptoBilis devices against setup and recommended fresh recovery phrases for others. Researcher Mark Karpelès reported finding suspicious electronics behind a Ledger Nano X screen in Malaysia. Bitquery estimated $92.9 million in cryptocurrency losses across 311 wallets, figures unconfirmed independently by Ledger. Ledger Support confirmed the discovery in an official statement, saying the modified device belonged to a user affected by the ongoing investigation.
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