GoKawiilModified Ledger Nano X wallets found with hidden eSIM to steal seed phrases
Security researchers at Tibane Labs found counterfeit or tampered Ledger Nano X hardware wallets fitted with an extra chip that reads the device's screen output via electromagnetic leakage, plus a hidden LTE modem, eSIM and antenna powered by the wallet's own battery. This setup lets attackers capture a user's seed phrase as it's displayed and transmit it over mobile networks, despite the wallet's Secure Element chip remaining untouched. Ledger has acknowledged at least one customer suffered losses from a manipulated device, with total losses across victims estimated near $100 million.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The attack bypasses the core security promise of hardware wallets—that funds stay safe because the device never connects online—by exploiting the physical supply chain rather than the chip itself, suggesting buyers need to scrutinize where and how they purchase such devices. It also indicates that 'offline' security claims may need re-examination if tampered units can reach legitimate sales channels undetected. Ledger's limited public confirmation leaves open questions about how widespread the tampering is and how buyers can verify device integrity.
- Attackers embedded a hidden chip and eSIM modem inside tampered Ledger Nano X wallets to leak seed phrases over mobile networks.
- The Secure Element chip itself wasn't compromised; the exploit intercepts the signal sent to the device's screen.
- Ledger has confirmed at least one affected customer, with total reported losses around $100 million across victims.
Ledger Nano X Hardware Wallet — Given this story about tampered hardware wallets sold through unofficial channels, it's crucial to only purchase a Ledger Nano X directly from Ledger or an authorized retailer. A genuine, untampered device keeps your Secure Element chip's communications safe from hidden interception hardware, so buying from trusted sources is your best defense.
See Ledger Nano X Hardware Wallet on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: heise.de — Daniel Aj Sokolov, 2026-10-13
Published there as: “Crypto thieves sell hardware wallets with secret eSIM”
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