Ledger

What is Ledger?

Ledger is a French technology company known for developing industry-leading hardware wallets for securing cryptocurrency assets. Founded in 2014, Ledger specializes in creating devices and software that allow users to safely manage digital currencies in a world of increasing online threats. The company’s flagship products include the Ledger Nano S and Ledger Nano X—hardware wallets that securely store private keys offline.

The main idea behind Ledger is to offer a secure solution that gives users full ownership of their cryptocurrencies. Unlike centralized exchanges or hot wallets that are always connected to the internet, Ledger devices operate offline, making them resistant to hacks, malware, and phishing attacks.

Ledger Devices: Nano S and Nano X

Ledger’s product line includes two primary hardware wallets:

Both devices are built with a secure chip (CC EAL5+ certified) and follow a dual-layer security model—keeping private keys completely offline while interacting with the blockchain through trusted software.

Ledger Live: Companion Software

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile app for managing Ledger devices. It acts as the interface through which users can:

Ledger Live supports thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance Coin, Solana, Cardano, and many more. The software is regularly updated to include new tokens and features. Importantly, all transactions must be confirmed on the physical Ledger device, providing an extra layer of validation and protection.

Security Architecture

Ledger wallets are known for their strong security standards. Every device is equipped with a Secure Element (SE) chip—the same type used in passports and credit cards. This chip isolates private keys from the main operating system and external interfaces.

In addition, Ledger uses its proprietary operating system called BOLOS (Blockchain Open Ledger Operating System). This OS runs on the Secure Element and ensures that each application operates independently, reducing the attack surface significantly.

Some key aspects of Ledger's security model include:

Ledger never stores your private keys, passwords, or recovery phrases. Users are fully responsible for safeguarding their recovery seed, which is the only way to restore a lost or stolen wallet.

Supported Assets

Ledger supports over 5,500 digital assets including major cryptocurrencies like:

It also supports most ERC-20, BEP-20, and NFTs on Ethereum. Ledger Live allows users to add accounts for different coins and tokens, and developers can integrate additional coins using Ledger’s SDK and third-party apps.

How to Use a Ledger Wallet

  1. Purchase your Ledger device directly from the official Ledger website to avoid tampering.
  2. Download and install Ledger Live for your operating system.
  3. Connect your Ledger wallet via USB (Nano S) or Bluetooth (Nano X).
  4. Set up a new wallet or restore an existing one using your 24-word seed.
  5. Install apps for specific cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
  6. Add accounts and begin managing your crypto securely.

All transactions are initiated in Ledger Live but must be manually approved on the hardware wallet, ensuring physical control.

Benefits of Using Ledger

Ledger is trusted by millions of users and institutional partners for several reasons:

Risks and Best Practices

While Ledger provides exceptional security, users must take responsibility for their wallets. Here are essential best practices:

Ledger offers backup solutions such as Ledger Recovery Pack