2026-10-13 / Signal #6
Hardware wallets contained a secret eSIM that phoned home seed phrases
“They didn’t hack the chip. They hid a tiny cell phone that watches you write your 24 words.”
The Story
Modified genuine-looking Ledger-style devices reportedly contain an extra chip connected to the display path plus an LTE modem/eSIM that transmits seed phrases. The secure element remains untouched. Hundreds of wallets were emptied, with estimates around $93–100M stolen; Ledger is investigating devices sold through a specific reseller.
Why It Matters
The “air-gapped” object of trust had a secret phone inside it. Offline security dies at the supply chain.
Evidence
Heise, Ledger statements, blockchain observers. Primary: https://www.heise.de/en/news/Crypto-thieves-sell-hardware-wallets-with-secret-eSIM-11485188.html
Sources
Daily scan: 2026-10-13