Ledger data leak exposes deep security issues in the crypto ecosystem

A company providing solutions for storing crypto assets has faced another information security incident. This time, the culprit was Global-e — a payment service processing transactions for Ledger’s store. Attackers gained unauthorized access to the provider’s cloud infrastructure, compromising information not only about Ledger’s customers but also other commercial companies.

The scale of the incident remains unclear

The company did not disclose the exact number of affected Ledger users. It is only known that Global-e’s database contained names, contact details, and order information. Such data is a goldmine for cybercriminals planning targeted phishing campaigns. History shows that Ledger has faced similar issues before: in 2020, data of over 272,000 users was leaked.

From digital attacks to physical threats

The Global-e incident reveals a broader security problem within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. The crypto space has proven vulnerable not only to hacking attacks but also to organized crime. An example is the kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balancer, where attackers used a wrench attack — direct physical force aimed at gaining access to critical information.

Risk of targeted phishing operations

Leaked contact details of Ledger clients are ideal for conducting targeted phishing attacks. Fraudsters may impersonate company employees or representatives of payment systems, demanding the input of private keys or recovery phrases. For cryptocurrency users, such attacks pose an existential threat — compromised keys mean the loss of all assets.

Systemic issues regarding data protection

Global-e has yet to comment on the incident, leaving many questions unanswered. This raises a fundamental question about whether payment infrastructure services in the crypto industry are prepared for modern threats. Each leak demonstrates the need to overhaul approaches to protecting users’ confidential information at all levels — from cloud services to physical security of key personnel.