The #1 Crypto Wallet & App Download
In the world of cryptocurrency, security is everything. A Ledger hardware wallet provides the highest level of security by storing your private keys offline in "cold storage." This fundamental principle is what protects your crypto assets from a vast majority of online threats, including malware, phishing, and hacks.
The unparalleled security of a Ledger device is built upon a multi-layered model designed to keep your private keys isolated and your transactions verifiable.
At the core of every Ledger hardware wallet is a certified Secure Element (SE) chip. This is the same type of chip used in passports and credit cards. It is a tamper-resistant microprocessor that provides a secure, isolated environment for your private keys. The SE chip is designed to withstand physical attacks and prevents the extraction of sensitive data.
Ledger devices run a custom-built, proprietary operating system called BOLOS (Blockchain Open Ledger Operating System). BOLOS acts as a barrier, isolating crypto applications from each other and the outside world. This prevents malicious applications or firmware from accessing your private keys.
Every transaction you initiate using the Ledger Live app must be physically verified and confirmed on your Ledger device. This "Clear Signing" process requires you to manually approve the transaction details on the device's screen. Even if your computer is compromised with spyware, a hacker cannot authorize a transaction without physical access to your device and your PIN code.
When you set up your Ledger, it generates a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This is the only backup of your private keys. It is crucial to write this phrase down on the provided recovery sheets and store it in a secure, private, and offline location. Never, ever share this phrase with anyone or enter it into a computer. Ledger will never ask for it.
While the Ledger device itself provides the hardware-level security, the Ledger Live application acts as the secure interface for managing your assets. Ledger Live communicates with the blockchain on your behalf and sends the transaction to your device for signing. This seamless integration allows you to check your portfolio, manage accounts, and use various crypto services while ensuring that your private keys never leave the secure environment of your hardware wallet.