After Ledger customer data breach, experts emphasize that privacy protection is the most important preventative measure

Cryptocurrency hardware wallet manufacturer Ledger recently confirmed a data breach involving its third-party e-commerce partner Global-e, resulting in the theft of customer information for some customers who purchased cold wallets through the official online store. Following the exposure of the incident, concerns about the security of cold wallets and hardware wallets have been raised within the cryptocurrency community.

Customer private keys were not leaked, but user names and contact information were stolen

According to Ledger’s statement, this incident did not involve private keys, wallet funds, or payment information. However, the leaked data included user names and contact details. Security researchers pointed out that once such information falls into malicious actors’ hands, it could be used for targeted scams, social engineering attacks, and even real-world threats ( like robbery ). Within hours of the news of the data breach, users reported receiving大量 phishing emails and scam messages. Attackers also impersonated Ledger or Global-e customer service staff, using the leaked personal information to build trust and applying pressure with claims of “account anomalies” or “device replacement” to induce users to provide sensitive data. This is not Ledger’s first data breach. In 2020, the company experienced a large-scale data leak affecting nearly 300,000 users; in 2021, scammers sent fake Ledger hardware wallets in phishing attacks. Security researchers noted that past incidents have led to wallet thefts, financial losses, and in extreme cases, physical violence threats against holders.

Experts emphasize that preventing social engineering and protecting personal data are most important

Experts state that the risks are not limited to users whose data has been listed in the breach. Anyone perceived as holding hardware wallets or crypto assets could become targets of phishing or social engineering attacks. Ouriel Ohayon, CEO of Zengo Wallet and a wallet security expert, pointed out that users whose personal data has been leaked are now clear targets, facing higher risks. Moreover, customer service personnel proactively reaching out is itself a dangerous signal; users should never share seed phrases or other personal information with anyone. Users should verify the actual sender of emails and avoid replying to unsolicited messages or communicating through unofficial channels, especially emails, instant messaging apps, or even paper letters claiming to be from customer service.

Alexander Urbelis, Chief Information Security Officer of ENS, reminded that the type of leaked data affects the level of threat, with physical addresses being particularly sensitive. Once a home address is linked to a hardware wallet user’s identity, the potential risks increase significantly.

Should I transfer funds or replace my wallet?

Experts warn against rushing to perform on-chain operations out of panic. Transferring funds does not necessarily reduce risk; acting hastily might even introduce new dangers. Once identified as the wallet owner, the location of the stored cryptocurrency becomes irrelevant. The attacker’s focus is on the individual, not the wallet itself. Sometimes, transferring funds can be counterproductive because the transfer is public, and hackers can track the clues. In current scams targeting Ledger users, attackers mostly rely on psychological manipulation rather than technical vulnerabilities. Scammers often use real names or order details to establish credibility, then create urgent situations to prompt quick responses. Users should protect their personal data regularly, and when facing suspicious situations, “Don’t Trust, verify” is the best approach to handle potential attacks.

This article on measures to prevent further damage after Ledger customer data breach emphasizes that privacy protection is most important. Originally published by Chain News ABMedia.