# Store-bought hardware crypto wallets had secret chips installed that enabled stealing crypto recovery phrases — $93 million and counting stolen thanks to implanted eSIM and LTE modules in Ledger wallets

> Cryptocurrency enthusiasts are often advised to acquire a hardware wallet like one of the Ledger models, theoretically adding the ultimate layer of security.

- **Source:** [Tom's Hardware](https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/cryptocurrency/store-bought-hardware-crypto-wallets-had-secret-chips-installed-that-enabled-stealing-crypto-recovery-phrases-usd93-million-and-counting-stolen-thanks-to-implanted-esim-and-lte-modules-in-ledger-wallets?utm_source=gearopen.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=feed&utm_content=6ace2128c8fced60355b27c0)
- **Published:** 2026-10-13
- **Category:** Apps
- **Tags:** #crypto #wallets #ledger #esim #hardware #million #modules #phrases
- **Canonical:** http://localhost:4321/a/6ace2128c8fced60355b27c0

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